Skate Park Dedicated In Memory Of Skater Whose 'Passion Never Wavered'

RIVERHEAD, NY — The life of a young man who died in January will be celebrated Sunday at a renaming of the skate park that meant everything to him.

Wesley Ackerly, 27, of Baiting Hollow died on January 24 of a rare cancer, according to reports. But despite his young age, he left behind a rich legacy of commitment to his community and the skate park, for which he was a steadfast advocate.

To honor his dedication, the Stotzky Park Skatepark will be dedicate renamed in memory of Wesley Dean Ackley on Sunday at 1 p.m.

His fierce passion for the skate park spanned years: In January 2010, when he was just 14, Wesley wrote a letter to the town board arguing against the proposed fee increase at the skate park for non-residents, a release from Riverhead Town Parks and Recreation Superintendent Ray Coyne.

Wesley explained to the town board that he believed a higher fee would mean fewer kids in the park skating — and more on the streets. The town board invited Wesley to a town board meeting, where his letter was read, Coyne said.

In the end, the Riverhead town board nixed fees altogether to allow a greater number of young people to enjoy the park, Coyne added. The town subsequently eliminated the fees entirely to allow more kids to enjoy the skate park, he added.

Last week, a letter from Riverhead business owner Lisa Drozd and former Deputy Supervisor Jill Lewis, which detailed Wesley's courage, was read before the town board, Coyne added.

"Thank you for the opportunity to allow us to present this request to have the Riverhead Skate Park dedicated to the memory of Wesley Dean Ackley," the letter said. "Wes Ackley started skateboarding at the ripe old age of nine and as the years went on, his skills got better and his circle of friends with the same interests grew. They say that skateboarding isn’t just a hobby — it’s a way of life."

The letter continued: "He loved this park. It was part of his heart. Wes loved skateboarding, he loved the difference he made in this world, and he loved Riverhead Skate Park. He was a strong advocate for the skate park and had a passion that never wavered."

Both asked the town board to consider renaming the park after Wesley and the board vote to move ahead.

"It is a fitting tribute to Wes, his parents Shawn and Christine, his brother Jake and all those that follow in his footsteps," they said.

According to his obituary, "Wes was born on May 22, 1995, to Shawn and Christine Ackley. After Wes graduated from Riverhead High School he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from New York City College of Technology in human services and then worked for Acacia Health Network in Brooklyn, N.Y. Wes was a strong advocate for the Riverhead Skate Park and had a passion that never wavered. His kind heart and strength will live on in our memory forever."