New Belmar skate park getting lots of action

The new Belmar Skate Park has only been open for a week, and it’s already a huge hit with skateboarders of all ages. From 9 a.m. each day until the park is closed at dusk, there are a dozen or more skaters using the park’s ramps to work on their latest moves. The new $71,000 park was built by the American Ramp Company, and includes a half-pipe ramp at one end of the park, a quarter-pipe ramp at the other, and a pyramid with euro gap and grind rail in the center. The park is located in Dempsey Park on Sixteenth Avenue, east of the railroad.

The new skate park is the fruit of a 3-year fundraising effort led by former Councilman William Merkler. In addition to generous donations from a number of Belmar residents and local businesses, numerous community fundraisers were held over the years, and the proceeds of the 2007 Mayor’s Ball were also contributed to the cause. In addition to Mr. Merkler and the Department of Public Works, special thanks go to Bob Losito, the owner of the Proskateboard Shop, at 1108 Main Street in Belmar, who provided invaluable assistance during the design phase of the effort, and to Borough Administrator Robbin Kirk, who has spent countless hours over the past several years handling the financial, bidding and insurance issues related to the project.

Official rules of the park:

1. Be respectful to others.
2. Helmets are required at all times while inside the skate park area. (Anyone without a helmet will be required to leave the park. Repeat juvenile offenders may have their skateboards confiscated; adult offenders will be issued summonses). Elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards are recommended.
3. No additional attractions may be constructed or used within the skate park.
4. No glass containers or alcohol beverages.
5. No loud or offensive music.
6. No bicycles or scooters are to be used on the skate park attractions.
7. Any disruptive gathering will necessitate removal of persons and/or closure of the skate park by order of the Police Chief or his designee.
8. Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult when using the facility.
9. The Borough of Belmar is not liable for unsupervised children, individuals who utilize the skate park after posted hours of operation, and individuals who are not wearing the appropriate safety equipment.
10. In case of an emergency call 9-1-1.

HOURS OF OPERATION

9 A.M. TO DUSK

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