New Design, $100K Fundraising Milestone For Greenport Skate Park

GREENPORT, NY — After years of tireless dedication and fundraising, Rena Wilhelm, the force behind a dream to breathe new life into the Greenport Skate Park, has unveiled new plans for the future.

"With a vision to create a state-of-the-art facility that caters to skaters of all ages and skill levels, we are embarking on an ambitious project to transform the park into a premier destination for skateboarding enthusiasts," Wilhelm, president of the Greenport Skate Park Inc. non-profit, said.

In January, the Greenport Skate Park's board of directors hired Dug Ketterman of Dug Out Design Studio, based in Portland, Oregon, she said.

"Known for his ability to create exciting 3-dimensional renderings and a virtual fly-through video of the park's vision, Ketterman brought a fresh and innovative perspective to the project based on the community’s requests," the board said.

Wilhelm said the non-profit is partnering with American Ramp Company for the park's construction.

"ARC is renowned for their exceptional work in executing skate park plans, including the successful construction of Montauk Skate Park. Their expertise ensures that our vision will be brought to life with the highest standards of quality and safety," she said.

The year has been marked by milestones: Park renderings were officially presented to the Greenport Village board at the April 18 work session. Wilhelm and board member Stephen Karl delivered a comprehensive presentation, showcasing the plans and anticipated benefits for the community, she said.

Next, in May, Greenport Skate Park Inc. announced that they had successfully reached its first fundraising milestone of $100,000.

"This significant achievement has been made possible through generous grants from local foundations, previous fundraising events, and the unwavering support of our community," Wilhelm said.

Plans for revitalizing Greenport Skate Park will unfold in two phases, with the first phase set to commence once the $1,000,000 budget goal is reached.

"This project aims to create a vibrant and inclusive space for skaters and the entire community to enjoy," Wilhelm and the board said. "To continue advancing this vision, we are actively seeking further support from the community, local businesses, and additional grant opportunities. We invite everyone to join us in our fundraising efforts through donations, sponsorships, and participation in upcoming events. Together, we can bring this dream to life and create a lasting, positive impact on our community."

Wilhelm added: "Greenport Skate Park has been a cornerstone of our community for years. This revitalization project represents our commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and exciting environment for our youth and all skateboarding, skating, scooter and BMX enthusiasts."

And, said Karl: "We are incredibly excited about the new design and the opportunities it will bring to our village. This park will not only be a place for recreation but also a hub for community engagement and youth development."

Upcoming plans for the skate park include the June 21 "National Go Skate Day" and the annual Sound & Skate Festival on July 13.

Greenport Village Mayor Kevin Stuessi lauded the plans: "I’m thrilled to see all the progress by the wonderful volunteer committee after attending their events and skating days in the park. As a former skateboarder in my youth and father of two daughters, one of which is an active skateboarder, I know how important this recreation asset is to our community."

He added: "I’m very much looking forward to the day when we can cut a red ribbon on a totally new and reimagined skate park through the efforts of the community and village working hand in hand to make it happen!"

Karl also reflected on the fundraising efforts: "Reaching this milestone is a powerful testament to the dedication, generosity, and unity of everyone involved. Each donation, whether large or small, has played a crucial role in bringing us closer to our goal, and we are immensely grateful for the support. While we celebrate this significant achievement, it is important to recognize that there is still substantial work to be done, and we call upon all community members to continue their support and engagement."