A large group of skateboarding enthusiasts attended the Town Council meeting on Monday night, April 20, to urge officials to help preserve the skate park at the LAFA Sports Complex.
The discussion followed a recent safety assessment that led to the park’s closure.
On March 23, Recreation Director Art Psaledas received a risk management assessment from Nicole Armaganian, a consultant with the town’s insurance provider, Primex.
In her report, Armaganian wrote that “due to the inherent risks associated with skateboard park use, the benefits [of the park] can only be realized when the facility is maintained in a safe and operational condition.”
She added that, based on her site visit, “the LAFA Sports Complex Skateboard Park is currently not functioning at an acceptable level of safety and requires significant attention.”
Armaganian noted that many of the park’s structures – particularly those with wooden components – show signs of deterioration and rot and would likely require full replacement rather than repair.
“Given the current condition, I strongly recommend restricting access to the facility until corrective actions are completed,” she wrote, recommending additional “Keep Out” signage and a secured entry gate.
Following the assessment, the town closed the park and the Recreation Department conducted a survey as officials considered next steps. The facility, now more than 20 years old, was originally built with privately raised funds, and users, as well as the recreation department, have made periodic efforts to repair and maintain the area over the years.
During public comment, and during the hearing, resident Drew Uphold spoke about the park’s value to the community, saying that he’s used it throughout the years and not works for a company that builds skate parks.
“It provides a safe haven for local kids to gather and express themselves through skateboarding and other action sports,” Uphold said.
“It’s great for physical and mental health and also builds determination and perseverance.”
Uphold added that he and others have volunteered their time to clean and maintain the park and said he has ideas for fundraising efforts to support repairs or reconstruction.
Several other skateboarders also addressed the council, sharing personal experiences and emphasizing the positive role the park has played in their lives.
During council discussion, Councilor Shawn Faber expressed concern about long-term upkeep.
“I don’t want to build it if we’re not going to maintain it,” Faber said.
Councilor Ted Combs suggested the Recreation Department explore the possibility of developing a full recreation complex on town-owned land near Town Hall.
Town Manager Shaun Mulholland said the Department of Public Works plans to remove the existing structures due to safety concerns.
No formal plan was discussed regarding whether the park will be rebuilt or replaced.