Bristol, Connecticut, U.S.A. — Skateboarders, BMX riders, and inline skaters in Bristol will soon see their coveted skatepark come to life.
The skatepark opening date is set for September or October, and no later, according to parks Superintendent Ed Swicklas.
The skatepark will be constructed in Page Park between the lagoon and the parks and recreation building on a spot of land dubbed the “plateau.”
Presently the estimated size of the park is 100 by 50 feet. It will be made and molded with pre-castconcrete, Swicklas said.
As of now there will be no fee for using the park, he said.
Instead, there will be a “skate at your own risk” regulation, said Swicklas.
The construction and design of the skatepark will go out to bid, said Swicklas.
Advertising of the skatepark and bids for possible contractors will begin this month and flow into May.
By the end of May, Swicklas said, he should be able to review a final draft of a design.
Since ESPN held the X Trials at Lake Compounce three years ago, teenagers in Bristol have been lobbying city officials for a skatepark in town.
Park board members approved a plan for a skatepark last year, and after considering several possiblelocations, decided on the spot in Page Park.
Swicklas sounded excited about the project.
“It’ll be a good addition to the city,” said Swicklas. “It’ll be well used.”
Joe Keo is a Reporter for Youth Journalism International.
