Woonsocket to Study Skate Park Feasibility

Woonsocket skateboarders would like to shred in peace and have been lobbying for a dedicated skate park for some time.

Finding a safe place for the city’s skaters would be to their benefit — and property owners who have complained about loitering and property damage from boards grinding their curbstones and railings.

The image of skateboarders being up to no good have long since gone the way of the Lawn Dart. Thanks to folks like Tony Hawk, the sport is now seen as just that — a legitimate sport — that requires skill, practice, athleticism. And it sure is a heck of a lot better for than wandering aimlessly.

Now, the city seems on the brink of taking a key step toward dedicating a city space for a skate park.

This week, Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt announced that the city will organize a fact-finding committee to explore the idea.

The committee, which is being organized along with Director of Public Works Steven D’Agostino, will “review the issues and options and make recommendations,” according to a news release.

The mayor, planning department and City Council will work with the mayor’s office to see if there are viable options. And there’s a decent chance the recommendation will land with a thumbs up as its being led by Zachary Gentes, a lifelong Woonsocket resident and avid skateboarder.

A Woonsocket High School Alum, Gentes graduated Rhode Island College in 2011 and has skated for 14 years. For the past four years, he’s been involved with Subliminal Skatepark in Shrewsbury, Mass.

Also on the committee will be Suzy Kirwan of Craft Skate and BMX Sho, Councilman Christopher Beauchamp, Daniel Marszalkowski, a Woonsocket Eagle Scout; and Director of Parks and Recreation Elizabeth Kerrigan.

“I will call the group together, give them their charge and anticipate their recommendations said D’Agostino. “Upon receipt of the recommendations, I will make the report available to the public for comment.”

Local skaters have been working hard behind the scenes to make the dream a reality. Last year, a group launched a fundraising campaign and got $14,000 in pledges by making wax bars.

Photo: Zachary Gentes skates in Providence. Photo Courtesy: Zachary Gentes.