A New Vision for the Joe Reardon Skatepark

Troy City Skatepark Unite takes the lead to provide new vision and energy for a hidden gem in the community.

This past week the City’s Board of Park Commissioners held their monthly meeting and the highlight of the event was a presentation by The Platform Group to present improvements for the Joe Reardon Skatepark.

The Platform Group has been retained by an upstart nonprofit organization, Troy City Skatepark Unite, to dream and deploy a new vision for the community’s skatepark located on North Ridge Avenue. This initiative showcases an often forgotten piece of active recreation in the community - skateboarding.

Skateboarders have been a part of the community culture for decades now. The early skateboard enthusiasts of the 1980s and 1990s, were given a temporary home at the Hobart Arena parking lot, by then Recreation Director Charles Sharett. With a few pieces of wood and metal, Mr. Sharett was able to work with these young skateboarders and given them an opportunity to skateboard in a safe environment.

In 2011, more durable metal pieces were set up on a concrete pad at city park land on North Ridge Avenue, and the Joe Reardon Skatepark was born. Troy City Skatepark Unite has hosted an annual event at the skatepark each fall for the last few years showcasing not only the talents of regional skateboarders, but also telling the story of how skateboarding is growing in the community and attracting people of all ages and backgrounds.

The new vision being put forward by Troy City Skatepark Unite is the next part of that process. Through this new vision, the Joe Reardon Skatepark is being reimagined as more than just a local skatepark, it’s being promoted as a pivotal part of the city’s active recreational offerings, by being a regional hub for skateboarders, roller skaters, scooter users and even BMX bicyclists. All while creating an aesthetically pleasing space that naturally blends in with the environmental assets that exist at the site.

This is the general draft layout of the new skatepark

This 3D image shows the heart of the skatepark with railings and ramps to be used by active recreation enthusiasts

This overhead of the skatepark, looking east, shows a concept for an enlarged parking lot on the south side of the park, a restroom facility and a pond with a bridge

This is looking down on the skatepark plaza with stairs, railing and other obstacles

In the wake of the project's presentation and ensuing discussions at the Park Board meeting, the path forward involves a blend of community involvement and meticulous planning. The project team prioritizes engaging the community, inviting feedback through surveys and public forums.

This inclusive approach ensures that the final design resonates with a wide user base, encompassing skateboarders, BMX riders, and the broader community. Feedback gathered will guide the refinement of the skate park's design, ensuring it meets safety standards, environmental considerations, and the aesthetic values of the city. Currently, Troy City Skatepark Unite and The Platform Group are actively seeking the public’s input in the draft design by asking individuals to fill out a small online survey that can accessed here.

After garnering public input and working with local officials, the design team will engage in detailed planning and the creation of construction documents that will lay out the technical specifics, materials, and methodologies to be employed, serving as the foundation for the skate park's construction.

The realization of this ambitious project heavily relies on the success of its fundraising efforts. Troy City Skatepark Unite has embarked on a comprehensive campaign to gather the necessary financial resources. This includes securing grants and philanthropic contributions from organizations that back community development and recreational endeavors, which have already been successful. Funds have been received by local philanthropic organizations as well as national figures known in the skateboarding world.

Local events will continue to be held at the Joe Reardon Skatepark aimed at fundraising not only generate funds but also build community awareness and support for the skatepark. Additionally, the project seeks corporate sponsorships and partnerships, offering businesses a chance to contribute to the community's well-being while fulfilling corporate social responsibility objectives. An online crowdfunding campaign further broadens the opportunity for support, allowing individuals from both within and outside Troy to contribute to the project's success. Individuals that wish to donate can donate here.

The skatepark project, driven by the Troy City Skatepark Unite, symbolizes more than a recreational facility's creation; it stands as a real example of community engagement, creativity, and the envisioning of public spaces that cater to future generations. As this critical project moves through its phases towards realization, it exemplifies the power of collective community action in transforming one of our community’s landscapes into a promising space that promotes inclusivity, creativity, and active lifestyles.

Thanks for reading today’s Civic Capacity Newsletter! Did you know, for less than $1 per week, you can support this effort to bring local news and information directly to you and your neighbors? If you have not considered being a paid subscriber to this effort, please do so. As a special incentive, 50% of all revenues from paid subscriptions from this post will be given to Troy City Skatepark Unite for this very special project.

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DISCLOSURE NOTE: The author currently serves on the Board of Directors of Troy City Skatepark Unite, Inc.