Group Planning Skate Park In Milford Plans Major Fundraising Event

MILFORD, MA — A vision to build a skate park in Milford will ollie forward in May with a major fundraiser planned to fund designs for the facility.

A group of residents has formed the Milford Skatepark Project committee to raise money and advocate for a new, durable park for kids (and adults) who skateboard, rollerblade, scoot, bike and more.

"We estimate that today there are over 800 kids in Milford that are passionate about skateboarding but have nowhere to do it safely. This does not account for the many other skate park users: BMX and scooter riders, roller/quad skaters, inline skaters, wheelchair riders and more. We feel this athletic drive should be supported by a safe, sanctioned place for these kids to exercise, socialize, and develop skills that will be useful throughout their lives," committee member Lisa Trusas said.

In May, the skate park committee will hold a major fundraising event at Plains Park. The goal: raise $10,000 to hire a firm to design the park and project how much it might cost to actually build. The group had already raised $3,000 as of the end of March.

The committee wants a concrete skate park similar to what other cities and towns in the area have. The group estimates the park would last up to 4o years with minimal maintenance. A location has not yet been picked.

The Plains Park fundraiser will run from noon to 4 p.m. on May 7 at Plains Park, and will have an obstacle course set up for skateboarders, bikers, bladers and others. There will also be food trucks, music and a contest awarding prizes for the best tricks.

The Milford Skatepark Project committee is accepting donations in general, but will have several sponsorship levels for the event featuring special recognition for donors. The committee is also looking for vendors for the event, offering spots for $50.

If built, the Milford skate park would be the town's second. Milford had wooden skate ramps at a tennis court at the Town Park, but the facility deteriorated and closed after years of heavy use. The closest skate parks to Milford now are in Uxbridge, Whitinsville and Norfolk.