New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
On 21 July, Mayor Scott W. Lang announced the expansion of the Brooklawn Park Skatepark is underway. The project is funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and is part of a broad-based plan to improve the recreational facilities at Brooklawn Park. The skatepark expansion project developed as a result of a number of young skateboard enthusiasts in the Brooklawn Park neighborhood who expressed a desire for enhanced recreational opportunities for skateboarding.
The expanded skatepark features mostly concrete construction and includes a replica series to mimic natural urban elements. The park includes an LA high bank, triangle ledges and several grindboxes, as well as open areas for freestyling and jumps.
The City’s Office of Housing and Community Development, along with City Councilors’ Linda Morad and Steve Martins began a comprehensive public participation process involving community stakeholders and residents in August 2010. A total of three large public meetings were held at the Brooklawn Community Center in 2010 and 2011 to determine community needs and design considerations for the proposed renovations and improvements to Brooklawn Park and specifically, the skatepark. “We were able to build on the initial efforts of a small group of young skateboard enthusiasts that were determined to see this skatepark come to fruition” stated Patrick Sullivan, Director of Housing and Community Development.
The skatepark expansion project is just one facet of broad-based plan to improve the recreational facilities at Brooklawn Park. Other improvements include:
- The renovation of four tennis courts which includes repairing all cracks and new seal coating and lines as well as new poles and nets.
- New playground equipment will feature play areas for two age groups – 2-5 years old and 5-12 years old, as well as an adult fitness area. Plans have also been finalized for a water play area that will feature a “splash pad” to be located within the overall playground area.
- Parking and circulation improvements to enhance accessibility to the park and to “centralize” parking.
- General landscaping enhancements.
- Community garden.
