Skate Park Opens
“This Skate Park is dedicated to the Children of Highlands “said Mayor Carolyn Broullon as she and Councilman Donald Melnyk cut the ribbon before a crowd of more than 75 people to open the new Skate Park built primarily with Green Acres and other state funding.
Melnik, who heads the borough’s recreation and Open Space committees, also dedicated the park as a means for the borough to “invest in the future of Highlands” by providing open spaces for young people to get outside, recreate together, enjoy the outdoors and healthy exercise, make new friends and preserve memories. The councilman noted that providing healthy activities for the young “is a down payment for their future.”
The councilman, to the applause of the crowd, also emphasized “we’re not done!” with Broullon shaking her head in assent. “We have Frank Hall park, Overlook Park,.” Melnyk continued, while praising both the recreation department and the Department of Public Works for all they have done to complete the Skate Park along the block long stream of activities of active people of all ages.
The Skate Park was constructed by Spohn Ranch, Inc, with Colliers Engineering & Design, Inc. It stretches towards the Robert Wilson Community Center and the Snug Harbor Beach, a stretch that already includes tennis courts, a basketball and pickleball court, a gymnastics area for children and a relaxation area with tables, chairs and a mini-library available to all.
Broullon explained part of the funding is from “leftover from Green Acres funds and other money the borough received in the past but never used.
In the outdoor ceremony that began with a Pledge of Allegiance led by Ptl. Robert Alvator, Rev. Martin McGrail also praised the thought and dedication that went into the park’s planning and construction and shows the vision of the governing body in investing in the young. “We are all so grateful for all the hands that went into making this possible,” he said, and added the park itself “shows the needs we have.”
The minister noted that if anything good came out of the Covid experience, it was that “we are all in this together,” and we need to enjoy the outdoors, enjoy being together, and need to recreate.
Following the brief ceremony and ribbon cutting, scores of energetic residents, skateboards in hand, climbed the stairs, went beyond the fenced area and tried out the rolls, twists, turns, slides and jumps of an intricate and challenging skate park. Cyclone fencing and locks surrounding the park ensure safety during nighttime or off hours.
