Campaigning to Save Foxboro Skatepark

By Paige McAtee

The Foxboro Skatepark is currently closed due to unsafe ramp conditions. The ramps, the five-foot u-bowl and the six-foot bank attached to the half pipe are rotting and need repairs for the skatepark to reopen.

Unfortunately, the town does not have the funding in place to make the necessary repairs, so a group of people from the skatepark has taken it upon themselves to raise the money needed.

Campaigners to save the Foxboro Skatepark have created Facebook and GoFundMe pages to raise $10,000, the necessary funds for the repairs, by Aug. 11.

The park has already raised $1,840. To meet the funding needs, the skatepark needs $8,160.

“Donations have been very generously given,” said Joe Erhard, a volunteer involved at the Foxboro Skatepark.

The final decision on what will happen to Foxboro Skatepark will be made at the next Board of Recreation meeting, at 80 South St., on Monday, Aug. 11.

The Board of Recreation is working with Foxboro Skatepark to find a resolution that makes sense, says Heather Harding, chair of Foxboro’s Board of Recreation.

There are different options up for discussion about how to approach the skatepark’s issues. The Board of Recreation was exploring the option of removing the rotting structures and reopening the park without the damaged ramps.

Those who want to save the skatepark have a goal of showing up at the next Board of Recreation meeting with the necessary funds to vote in favor repairing the damaged ramps. They wish to authorize the repair work to be done by the original builder of the skatepark, David Wood of Custom Skatepark.

“Everyone is trying to fundraise to repair the rotten structures instead of removing them,” said Harding.

The option of completely destroying the Foxboro Skatepark is not on the table. “The park was never in danger of being closed down,” assures Harding.

At this point, the goal to meet the funding to build new ramps are unlikely, says Erhard. “We’re hopeful to continue with our fundraising effort,” he added. “Ideally, I’d like the skatepark to remain closed and the ramps intact until we can rebuild all of the ramps.”

The skatepark has been in existence for 13 years. Skateboarders from Foxboro and from the surrounding towns come to Foxboro Skatepark and spend their afternoons at the park. Some skateboarders spend all of their days at the park when school is out.

Erhard believes the skatepark gives diversity to the different forms of recreation in Foxboro. Not every kid is interested in organized sports, he says.

Donations are greatly appreciated, no matter the amount. Visit Foxboro Skatepark’s GoFundMe page to donate.

Photo credit: Joe Erhard