Grand Opening of Livingston's Skate Park

After years of planning, Livingston's skate park is now officially open.

On June 10, with a crowd of about 150 supporters including skateboarders and parents looking on, the park celebrated its Grand Opening.  Patch videographer Barry Kaufman was at the ceremony and captured the excitement of the night.

The project was completed after years of planning between Livingston's youth and adults, along with the help of HCHY (Healthy Community Healthy Youth ) and the Township Council; the groups worked to raise money for the construction of the state-of-the-art park, which is located next to Livingston's Municipal Center. Over the past few years, teenagers and parents sought grants for the project — the United Way of North Essex and the Livingston Community Fund both contributed generously, along with many others, including an anonymous $20,000 donation — as well as held fundraisers, taking creative measures to raise money, including selling old Livingston street signs.

Many supporters were singled out during the night, but Bob Vidal,  a legendary  skateboard enthusiast in town, was cited by Skate Park co-chair Robert Allen. Vidal started talking about building a skate park in Livingston back in 1975.

Alan Karpas, president of HCHY, thanked the Livingston Township Council, The United Way of North Essex, The West Essex Tribune,  the YMCA,  Livingston Public Works and the professional team of engineers from the town for their work on the park.  He also thanked the scores of volunteers who donated time, money and dedication to the project.

For more information on the park, visit the skate park's website.

Download the movie