The Chatham Skate Park, located on Southern Boulevard, adjacent to the township’s Police Department is in need of support and donations. The park was originally opened in 2003 by local residents’ donations and various communities’ funds. The original cost of the recreational area was $200,000. The skate park was closed in August, following the advice of the town’s insurance provider, which claimed that the area was run down, and in need of repair. Repairs were made, using materials the town had at their disposal, and reopened in February.

The park is now in need of a new surface, or a new, freshly paved, ground. After much research, Mimi Mehta and Mary Rohe, members of the Chatham Skate Park Committee, have found a new asphalt ground, which will fix the problem efficiently and in the least costly manner. This asphalt can be found at skate parks in Edison and Hillsborough, both parks have had minimal problems and have used this ground for nearly 10 years. The new ground will allow the facility to be used to its full potential, and will fix the problem without removing all of the ramps, saving a lot of money.

The total cost of this project is $15,000. Thus far the Committee is half way to its goal at a total of $7,450. Recently, the Chatham Athletic Foundation has made the generous contribution of $5,000 towards the project. The Municipal Alliance of the Chathams has also made a generous donation of $500. The committee is accepting donations and is actively fundraising to reach their goal and save their park.

The Committee has started a logo design contest, open to all individuals over the age of 19. The winning design will be used in publicity and on all of Chatham Skate Park’s merchandise. This contest is in works of raising awareness for the park and the ongoing fundraising campaign. There is also an awareness page on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/SaveChathamSkatePark, where a video of kids telling their experiences with the park and photos of the park can be found. Also, there is now a website, http://www.chathamskateparknj.org/, where information regarding the park can be found.

The goal is to raise the $15,000 and repair the park’s ground by the start of the summer season. June 22^nd is National Go Skate Day; the park plans to have a fundraiser and celebration on this day. The Chatham Skate Park is an important place for kids to be outside, get exercise, and socialize. It is halfway there to being used at its full potential, to be used for many, many years.