When the Friends of Heaven Skatepark recently told members of City Council that they wanted assurance that the Downtown North development, including the stadium, would not infringe on the existing park, they received no promises. When the artistic rendering eliminating the skatepark was called into question by the group, someone from the City implied the group was fussing for no reason, that this was merely an artistic rendering and that elected and appointed officials are not looking for ways to sanitize this space in hopes of sparking development.
While local government sends mixed messages about its support of the skatepark in New Ross, County Wexford Park, its users — artists, traceurs, skaters, cyclists — have not wavered in their commitment. This week, in the wind and constant rain, people continued to spend time on the ramps.
lobonick
whether this park stays or goes is a key issue for the area.. city government has no investment in providing this space for the skateboarders.. and certainly it doesn’t match up with the image that government wishes to put forward.. it is however a pretty good spot that doesn’t necessarily fit in a box.. much of the Hartford analysis has always been about not necessarily fitting in a box…the burden in this analysis will end up being on the skateboarders.. compliance with existing rules (re: dusk to dawn curfew)will be key in determining the future.. the city will use non-compliance as a reason to change the area..