GardenSk8 Gives Kids a Safe Place to Shred

In 2007, Montville resident and life-long skateboarding enthusiast Todd Schwartz took a seat on the Recreation Department subcommittee established to examine the viability of constructing a new public skate park in town. He took part in efforts to scout a suitable location and secure financial backing. Eventually, it became clear to him that bureaucratic hurdles were preventing the project from moving forward.

So Schwartz built the park himself.

And with that, GardenSK8, an indoor skating refuge for children, teens, and adults alike, was born. Today, its walls are covered with intricate, professionally-crafted graffiti art, and the facility claims to house the largest indoor wooden skating pool in the entire world.

"Todd's the bottom line on this place," said Nikki Beraux of Hackensack, as her 6-year old daughter Spencer (nicknamed "Smoothie") excitedly skateboarded nearby. "He couldn't be more nurturing to young kids."

Schwartz' brainchild has become the premiere spot in North Jersey for young, aerially-minded thrill-seekers. His clientele, mostly boys aged 8 to 14, come for the skating and the camaraderie. Their guardians are happy to oblige, thanks to the park's solid reputation.

"For parents to drop kids off that are ten years old and leave, you need to have trust and respect," he said. "We wanted to have a place that was safe for kids of all ages. Nobody feels 'vibed out.'"

According to Schwartz, his skate park has attracted regular media attention. He's taken part in a smattering of television spots and filmed commercials on the premises. Last week, a taping of MTV's "True Life" series took place there.

"This is a very colorful place," he said.

Despite his success, there are still things Schawrtz would like to see done. Town officials have so far refused to adopt his idea for an after-school program that would bus Lazar Middle School students to GardenSK8.

"This is the only real recreation center in Montville," he said. "There's no reasoning behind their opposition."

Schwartz noted that every surrounding municipality is fully accepting of the park.

Still, GardenSK8 has found its niche. Artists have displayed their work on its walls, more experienced skaters trek from Manhattan to Montville for their kicks and, above all, Schwartz feels he has established a sense of community. He credits his policy of not displaying corporate insignia as a partial reason for this.

"Skating is a way of life," he said. "At GardenSK8 you get an eclectic fusion of skateboarding, art, and music. This doesn't look like any other skateboard park in the country. We made this place for the people. Why dilute it with corporate?"

For Schwartz, the future looks bright. Star skater Mike Valelly will be making an appearance on July 20, and his park's summer camp is increasing in popularity. In the meantime, lest his street cred diminish, Schwartz still busts an occasional move on the half-pipe.

"That's how you keep [the kids'] respect." he said.

GardenSK8 offers clinics for complete novices on Wednesdays at 5pm and Saturdays at 9:15am. Find out more here.