Southington Skate Park Sought In Petition Campaign

SOUTHINGTON, CT — One local resident is hoping to transform a single idea into a movement that could result in his community offering the public a unique form of recreation.

Southington resident Paul Inserra Jr. has started an online petition campaign to promote the Town of Southington building a skate park in town.

Many municipalities have such capabilities, which allow skateboard, roller skate, and stunt bike enthusiasts a safe place to practice their hobby and showcase their skills.

Area towns with skate parks include Newington, Wethersfield and Simsbury.

For decades, towns and skateboarders have been at odds in public spaces, with skateboarders often clogging the sidewalks and public outdoor staircases.

While that doesn't appear to be a significant problem in Southington, Inserra said having such a facility in Southington could benefit both the community and skateboarders.

"The reason I think we need a skate park is because it will bring a safe and legal place for people to skateboard, scooter, and bike and a place where they do not have to worry about cars or if the place they are at is trespassing or not," he wrote on his online petition.

Currently, there are no concrete plans for such a facility in Southington, but Inserra is hoping that if significant support is evident on his petition, then it might prompt the Southington Town Council and town leaders to, at least, look into it.

As of Monday morning, the petition on Moveon.org has 120 signatures toward its initial goal of 200.

To see the Southington skate park petition and sign the MoveOn.org petition, click on this link.

For a list of skate parks in Connecticut, click on this link.