(Credit: Pedro Wolfe, 2022)
The metal skatepark ramps will get replaced with concrete. Construction should begin next year.
The Saratoga Springs City Council approved $140,000 of additional funding for the renovation of the East Side Recreation skatepark. The additional funding, provided half by the city and half by On Deck Saratoga, is part of a total renovation cost of $405,000. The city had already provided $275,000, toward the project. Its budget ballooned by about $140,000 under COVID. The city approved the expense at their June 7 meeting.
The skatepark was built in 1989 making it the oldest skatepark in New York State. It hasn’t had an upgrade in 20 years.
The approval paves the way for construction to begin next year, said Mayor Ron Kim during the city council meeting.
On Deck Saratoga is a nonprofit organization that promotes skateboarding. The group has been overseeing a community fundraising campaign to provide their half of the $140,000.
“We’re just about $5,000 dollars short right now,” said Benj Gleeksman, the vice president of the group. The renovation plans aim to remove the skatepark’s metal ramps, and replace them with an all-concrete layout.
“Right now, it’s a concrete pad with a bunch of metal ramps on it. It’s outdated. The metal ramps are starting to decay. It's loud, and they are getting rusty. Modern skate parks are made of all concrete,” Gleeksman said. He founded On Deck with his wife Belinda Colon, who is the group’s president.
The group has been lobbying the city for an updated skatepark since 2012.
Gleeksman explained that the renovations were initially projected to cost $265,000 when the plans were first unveiled. Due to the skyrocketing price of construction materials, the cost was increased by $140,000.
Gleeksman said he is thankful for the support, and is confident that the renovations will make a difference for the area’s dedicated skating community.
“The skatepark is one of the only facilities which gets used year round. You can go to the skatepark in December or January and find kids skating. Even if there's snow on the ground, they'll go out there and shovel it out. The skaters are dedicated,” he said. “And Saratoga should foster that.”
On Deck will be holding its annual Skate Jam fundraiser at the skatepark Saturday, June 25.