Berlin Residents Pressuring Council For Skate Park

BERLIN – Dozens of community members gathered at Town Hall Monday to show their support for the addition of a skate park to Berlin.

A crowd of residents of all ages filled council chambers as the young and old alike implored the Mayor and Council to find a way to build a skate park in Berlin.

“We’re not allowed to do the thing we love to on a daily basis,” 16-year-old Chad Joines said. “It’s not just a hobby. It’s a way of life.”

Mayor Gee Williams attempted to preempt discussion by telling those present that town leaders were actively pursuing the concept.

“It’s not as easy as it sounds,” he said. “You just can’t put it anywhere.”

The mayor said it was one of the town’s priorities but that officials were working to accommodate several priorities at once. He suggested residents who wanted a skate park share their thoughts with the town’s parks commission. He also encouraged them to attend the strategic planning meetings the town would be hosting later this fall.

“I think it’s overdue …,” he said. “I wish I could just wave a magic wand and have it open for Christmas.”

Councilwoman Lisa Hall also encouraged citizens to continue attending the town’s public meetings to provide input.

“It’s your town,” she said. “It’s your money. Tell us how you want us to spend it.”

Resident Ben Smith asked what sites other than the former Tyson plant on Old Ocean City Blvd. officials were considering for a skate park.

Williams said he was not going to discuss that publicly. He encouraged Smith to talk to the town administrator about possible sites in a one-on-one meeting, not a public forum.

“Once somebody finds out the government’s interested, the price goes through the roof,” Williams said.

Resident Matt Dove suggested the town look into the matching grants available through the Tony Hawk Foundation.

“We’re perfect candidates,” he said, adding that a park he was familiar with in Baltimore had been completely revitalized with help from the professional skateboarder’s foundation.

According to the foundation’s website, it has awarded $5.2 million to more than 500 skate parks in the United States.

Dove, who ideally would like to see a skate park and community center in town, said a skateboarding facility in Berlin could draw skateboarders from throughout the area. He said the park in Ocean City was getting old and the Ocean Pines facility was too small.

“People would come to a great park in Berlin,” he said, adding that he had seen even smaller towns, particularly in Oregon, with successful skate parks. “It’s tangible. It really is.”

A designated skateboarding location would also cut down on the skateboarders roaming the downtown area.

“I know it’s a problem downtown,” he said. “Skating in the street is not good but more and more kids are skating. I’d really like to see this happen.”

Williams encouraged him to stay involved in the process.

“The squeaky wheel is going to get the grease,” he said.

Resident Steve Farr spoke in support of a skate park as well, adding that he wanted to see the momentum shown on the project Monday to continue. Parks commission member Patricia Dufendach agreed.

“We embrace this interest in our parks,” she said, adding that additional recreation facilities were needed in Berlin.

“Our parks are small,” she said. “Very small compared to our population and demands.”

Joines, who said he wanted a skate park where he would be allowed to ride his bike, brought up the town’s recent Budget Travel honor.

“The Coolest Small Town in America, we have to top that now. We have to get better,” he said.