Staff Writer

Plans for a new skate park in Old Orchard Beach have been scaled back to make the project a reality sooner, according to organizers.

Recreation Director Jason Webber said he initially estimated a skate park could cost between $70,000 and $100,000, but organizers now are leaning toward starting smaller and planning additional phases in the future.

The recreation department has received $30,000 from the town council in the past two years to use for the skate park. The department also received a $5,000 grant from the Tony Hawk Foundation and has raised $1,000. Plans are being developed for future fundraising events.

The town’s skate park was removed several years ago because it was in disrepair and on the site of the new police station. Webber said pieces of the park were intended for indoor use but were ruined by exposure to weather.

A site for the skate park has not been selected. Webber said recreation committee members will tour various town-owned sites and choose one to recommend to the town council for final approval.

Eric Santos, a 17-year-old skateboarder and Old Orchard Beach High School senior, said current ideas include creating a cement bowl during phase one, followed by different skate courses in future phases. Webber said the bowl likely would cost around $35,000.

Santos said a cement bowl could be an “original piece” to draw people to the park. He envisions a multi-depth bowl designed to look like a real swimming pool.

“It brings skateboarding back to the earlier skate parks where it was popular to simulate a backyard pool,” he said. “It will draw a lot of people if it’s done right. It can do a lot for the town.”

Santos said he is grateful the town council has given $30,000 to the effort and for enthusiasm from some city councilors. He said it is important people who participate in the world’s sixth most popular sport have a place to practice safely and legally.

“I truly feel skateboarders deserve a place to express themselves and have fun like in any other sport,” Santos said.

Dru Laduke, president of the recreation board, said he has seen a growing interest in skateboarding in Old Orchard Beach in the past few years.

“The Old Orchard Beach Recreation Department is recognizing there is a need for something like this,” he said. “It’s better to create programs for children than to shoo them off property.”

Webber said a core group of skaters and parents have been very involved with developing plans for the park.

“They have been very attentive,” he said. “They are well-informed, do their homework and are passionate about it. It’s exciting to have that type of volunteer.”

Laduke said he is inspired by young volunteers who are helping develop a conceptual design for the park. He said they all want to educate others about their sport.

“They want to participate in their community,” he said. “They’re really trying to create something positive here in Old Orchard Beach.”

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.