A wheely big day planned as new skateboard park to open

MIDDLEBORO -- After seven years of planning and work, the new Middleboro skatepark will be rolled out with a grand opening Saturday, June 27.

“It’s been a long journey for us, and it’s finally here,’’ said Mike Pasalacqua, chair of the Middleboro Skatepark Committee.

The journey from the old to new will be a literal one.

Skateboarders are scheduled to ride from the old site at Peirce Park to the new location at 48 Wareham St., the site of the former Department of Public Works building.

The grand opening will take place from noon to 6 p.m. at the new location and will feature food, refreshments and live music.

The new park was needed, Pasalacqua said.

The old park at Peirce Park was about 25 years old and showing its age. The park was “falling apart,’’ he said, and becoming dangerous to use. 

The skate park will include half-pipes, rails, a bowl and other ramps and features for skateboarders, bikers and scooter riders. A parking lot will also be constructed adjacent to the facility.

He noted that use of the park is not limited to skateboarders. Bicycles, scooters and roller blades are welcome, he said. The park can be used by riders of all ages, he said, and levels of ability, from beginners and up.

The process of constructing a new park began with meetings in 2019 to raise awareness of the need for a new park, Pasalacqua said.

The Middleboro Skatepark Committee was formed with Pasalacqua as chair and members Brandon Christie, Justin Gamache Kevin Schmidt and Tim Warren.

Although the Covid era made efforts challenging, the committee and supporters continued to raise money. They raised $19,000, which was augmented by support from grants, community preservation funds and private donors.

Pasalacqua thanked Byrnes Sand & Gravel, the Middleboro Rotary Club The Pierce Trustees and the Community Preservation Committee, which agreed to support the project.

He also thanked Frankie McCauley, Mike Pomerleau, Spencer Daniel, Cody Beecher, grant writer Stephanie Hall and the Middleboro Parks and Recreation Department and director Fran Cass.

For Pasalacqua, the effort reflects his love for skateboarding, which he said he has done since he was 11.

“It’s a great activity,’’ he said. Some kids may not want to participate in team sports, he said, and may prefer the individual nature of skateboarding.

“It’s a great way to get kids to get out and do things, instead of being inside with technology.’’

And for the veteran skateboard enthusiast, the new park brings history full circle.

He was 14 when a group of people pulled together to build the old park. Now, he said, “I decided to step up and help the future generation.’’