Progress is rolling for Havertown’s Skatepark

HAVERFORD » With help from a $35,000 allocation commissioners recently approved, the Havertown Skatepark is moving closer to becoming a state-of-the art venue local skaters have dreamed of.

Funds will go toward retaining Jesse Clayton of 5th Pocket Skatepark to create a permanent, concrete skatepark at Merry Place.

Michael Armine, a Haverford High School teacher and spokesman for the Havertown Skatepark Advocacy Group, said “It’s a unique opportunity for the township to stake a claim in skateboarding.”

5th Pocket will transform the tennis court that’s been home to the Havertown Skatepark since June 2016 into a unique installation “you can’t find anywhere else. It will be Havertownspecific,” Armine said.

Rather than use prefabricated materials and molds, Clayton pours and forms concrete structures on site, “much like an artist painting a mural on a wall,” said Assistant Township Manager/Parks and Recreation Director Tim Denny.

Denny said 5th Pocket was chosen for the project because of its ability to “design parks specifically for your space, needs and landscape.”

BMX bikes currently use the skatepark, and will continue to do so.

“Part of why we are going with concrete is because it withstands damage from BMX bike pegs,” Denny said.

He also noted that 5th Pocket creations “got great reviews in terms of quality of work, creativity and low maintenance.” Ambler Skatepark, Grays Ferry Skatepark, Granahan, and Minersville Area Skatepark are included in Clayton’s portfolio.

Work is expected to begin at Merry Place in October, Armine said. He hopes to continue fundraising efforts for possible expansion in the future.

“I’m really happy. It’s been a lot of work. A lot of good people put time and energy into it. to see it come said Armine.

The Havertown Skatepark first opened in June 2004 at a site adjacent to Veterans Field, behind current police headquarters.

Plans for a new municipal services building forced the park to close in May 2016.

Armine and other skatepark proponents, including Dan Twaddle, Becky Haley and Christine Henzy led a determined effort to find an alternate location. They attended numerous Park Board and commissioners meetings to raise awareness concerning the skate park’s importance for local youth.

Officials considered various options, but Merry Place emerged as the most feasible because “of being integrated with other activities and away from neighbors,” Denny said. And, the tennis court did not require extensive preparation since it had a usable surface, lights and fencing.

The Skatepark Advocacy So it’s good to fruition,” group conducted fundraisers and continued to meet with officials to plan necessary improvements. Selecting Clayton and developing a legally sound agreement was “a tedious, step by step process, but here we are, so I’m really happy,” Armine said.

Speaking at the commissioners meeting, skateboarder Aidan Bonass said he supports the skatepark.

“I go all the time and think it’s a great thing to do.”

Christopher Davis said the skatepark gives local youth “a place to go” and “something to do that’s good.”

Armine said the skatepark is among the most heavily used parks in the township.

Citing an article in Parks and Rec Business magazine, Denny said participation in team sports has been in decline, while skateboarding “has surged 49 percent to 14 million U.S. participants. And building a skate park is a growing trend in community development.”

Armine maintained that “skateboarding is the one sport that doesn’t have, and will never have, a history of racial or gender discrimination … It was founded on not who’s black, white, gay, trans. None of that matters to our community. What matters is you have a skateboard. We can have conversations about racial diversity and gender identity … but action is what matters.”

Commissioner Larry Holmes thanked Armine for his time and dedication.

“You’re an extraordinary teacher to do this … as a full-time teacher, to make this your avocation. The first group of skaters decades ago first approached Parks and Rec here about putting in their own work to try and make that first park happen. Their hard work, success and the example those skaters set really earned for you folks the township’s commitment to do this. I think it’s great this will be attractive to other skaters. Your organization, your advocacy, it’s been a real treat to watch and real pleasure to vote for this.”

Board President Chris Connell noted that the allocation was a budgeted item.