The new Greenfield skate park is slated for the northern part of the municipal parking lot behind the former Wilson’s Department Store between Davis and Chapman streets. Construction is set to begin Monday. Staff File Photo/Paul Franz
A virtual rendering of the roughly 12,000-square-foot skate park, which includes four entry points (three of which are handicap accessible), a shade structure, benches, a solar charging station for electronics and water bottle refill stations. Contributed Image
GREENFIELD — Construction of the skate park, a project now years in the making, is officially slated to start on Monday.
“I’m just really pleased to have the support of the City Council, the community and the administration, because we’ve needed everybody to be involved to move this project to where we’re finally ready to break ground,” said Recreation Director Christy Moore.
Construction of the $980,000 skate park, slated for the northern part of the municipal parking lot behind the former Wilson’s Department Store between Davis and Chapman streets, is expected to be completed by May 2023, according to Moore. Although costs increased by roughly $200,000, the difference will be covered using $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The new structure will replace the former 17,000-square-foot skate park at the back of what is now the Olive Street Apartments.
In addition to ARPA funding, the park is supported by $350,000 in capital funds, $30,000 in community donations and a $400,000 state Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant.
“I know the design, based in large part on input from the community, won’t disappoint,” Moore said.
Pillar Design Studios, which designed the skate park, has been involved in similar projects in Turners Falls, Springfield and Worcester, according to Brad Siedlecki, president of the landscape architecture firm. In April, Siedlecki shared a virtual rendering of the roughly 12,000-square-foot skate park, which includes four entry points (three of which are handicap accessible), a shade structure, benches, a solar charging station for electronics and water bottle refill stations. In June, the project received approval from the Planning Board, with the condition that bicycle racks and crosswalks be added.
Chicopee-based Mountain View Landscapes was awarded the construction contract through the competitive bidding process.
“The skate park is yet another example of strategic investments we are making in the heart of downtown,” Mayor Roxann Wedegartner said in a statement. “From the new library at one end of Main Street, to the new fire station at the other end, to the skate park between Main Street and the John Zon (Community)Center, these are projects that will enhance our community.”
Moore said while she’s relieved to know the project is about to get underway, complete relief won’t come until it’s “finished and signed off.”
“I think it’s going to be another asset downtown that will bring people to the heart of Greenfield and the Crossroads Cultural District,” she said. “It’s just off Main Street, and it’s going to be beautiful when it’s complete.”
Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.
GREENFIELD — The Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin bestowed awards upon community members on Friday at its first Hope...
NORTHFIELD — The Pioneer Valley Regional Education Association (PVREA) teacher’s union held a standout ahead of Thursday’s School Committee meeting...
GREENFIELD — The School Committee got conflicting reports this week about the implementation of magnetic cellphone pouches at the high school, with...
Public Safety Field Day coming to GCC GREENFIELD — The Tri-State Fire Mutual Aid Association is hosting a Public Safety Field Day on Saturday, Sept...