6 Dogs Adopted, $1,200 Raised At Pop-Up Skate Park In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A pop-up skate park, Skate for the Paws, hosted by BR Skates Foundation was the first-ever pop-up skatepark event at the Bridgewater Municipal Complex.

"It was an honor to spotlight the local talent that thrives in our community. I am so grateful to the many people that volunteered their time to make Skate for the Paws an incredible event," said Jennifer Loughran, founder of BR Skateboarding.

The event held on Saturday featured ramps donated by Tony Hawk's foundation - The Skatepark Project.

It included a contest that was dedicated to the memory of Vincent Gagliardi, free introductory BR Skateboard lessons, a live concert by Somerville School of Rock House Band, and a billboard art exhibit by Chad Fandal.

All proceeds benefited the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter.

"We raised over $1,200 in donations from selling buttons that I made with my children Serafina and Eilish Loughran and six dogs were adopted on Saturday, including several that appeared in our photographs," said Loughran.

A contest was also run by Zack Hoyer, Raritan Skater & Votech Student and sponsored by NJ Skateshop and Zumiez.

Winners included:

• 12+ Best Trick: Afton Alb, Bridgewater (HS)
• 12+ Mini Ramp: Will Hoyer
• Under 12 Best Trick: Quinton Watson, Bridgewater (Hillside)

Loughran offered thanks to: Bridgewater Township, The Department of Public Works, Bridgewater Recreation, School of Rock Somerville, Artist Chad Fandel, Life Time, Wegmans, Martinsville Rescue, NJ Skate Shop, Zumiez, One Stop Boardshop, Girl Scout Troop 60135, Marissa Gago Photography, The Gagliardi Family, Somerset County Undersheriff Tim Pino, County Commissioner Paul Drake and Councilman Michael Kirsh for honoring Veterans Day Weekend and introducing The National Anthem.