A $425,000 skatepark appears likely to become a reality at a yet to be determined location in Gorham.
The Town Council Tuesday 7-0 gave approval for town staff to work out details with a residents’ group spearheaded by Tom Dupuis. The group will report back to the council before permitting and construction.
“I totally support this, it’s long overdue,” Town Councilor Ron Shepard said.
“It has the foundation of going forward,” Town Councilor James Hager said.
The concrete skatepark would be used by skateboarders and scooter riders and could accommodate BMX bikes, organizers said.
Through a public-private partnership, town officials would be involved in developing a suitable design and site. The first two phases of the proposed project call for a 7,500-square-foot park that could be eventually expanded to 10,000 square feet. Upon completion of the initial phases, the skatepark would be donated to the town.
Organizers report already raising commitments of $250,000, and they would mount a fundraising campaign along with the hope of using town recreation impact fees to cover the amount needed for the first two phases of the project.
A booster group would be formed for the upkeep of the park.
Town Manager Ephrem Paraschak said the project looks viable.
“This will be a professional family park,” Paraschak said. “It sounds like a great community project.”
A list of preferred town-owned locations, according to information produced by organizers, include Narragansett Elementary School on Main Street; Robie Park, Morrill Avenue; Gorham Middle School, Weeks Road; and Little Falls Recreation area, Gray Road. Robie Park could be ruled out because it is being considered for any future expansion of the nearby high school.
The project, according to the organizers’ report submitted to the council, has support from Gorham Conservation Commission, Gorham Village Alliance, Gorham Business Exchange, Gorham Sand & Gravel and Go Outdoors Gorham.
The report says 40 skate parks exist in Maine, including those in Windham and Old Orchard Beach. South Portland has approved a park proposal and Portland is expanding one.
A brochure about the skatepark project can be found at bit.ly/2SkzBSk.
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