Since 2017, a group of local kids have been advocating for a skate park in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY.
Skaters should not have to dodge cars and pedestrians to work their craft. Skateparks provide a safe space for skaters to practice and express themselves.
Who We Are
We are a community of skaters (young and old), skate-supporters, and parents living in and around Westchester County, NY, working to build a skatepark in the Village of Hastings-On-Hudson, New York. We started as “HOH Skate” but as we gain momentum and support, we encourage greater inclusivity in the name “Rivertown Skate Society”. The park is destined to be located in Hastings-On-Hudson, but will not be limited to Hastings residents. As of Spring 2023, Rivertown Skate Society has over 300 supporters and a core of 20 members organizing and fundraising.
Why We Do It
A skatepark services multiple wheeled-wonders - to include skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, and some bicycles. As a sport, skateboarding has grown exponentially in popularity over the past 10 years. It is now an Olympic sport!
Skateboarding differs from team sports by allowing individual expression. A skatepark gives us a safe place to work our craft and share ideas. Skateboarding culture was founded on representation from people of different races, ethnicities, socioeconomic status, religions, genders, and sexual orientation. It is an inclusive and inviting sport which at the same time allows each participant to be an individual. We need this type of community interaction more than ever, especially after 2 years of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Local skaters can be seen currently rolling on the streets and parking lots of our Westchester towns. We need to make our youth feel welcome; skateboarders should be as welcome in Hastings-on-Hudson as any baseball/football/basketball player (all of which have their own public places to gather and create). Skaters should not have to dodge moving cars and pedestrians to enjoy their sport.
How We Do It
As of 2021, the HOH Parks & Recreation Department made the construction of a skatepark a top agenda item. Recently, the Board of Trustees has accepted the Parks & Rec’s recommendation of using the Burke Estate as the site for the park. These milestones are the result of 4-years of HOHskate-sponsored public events promoting the benefits of skateparks to the community, all documented in social media campaigns and local newspapers.
As of 2021, HOHSkate is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization partnering with other parks and recreation developments in Westchester and Rockland Counties. We are currently working towards the fundraising part of the project. The town of Hastings-On-Hudson will fund parts of the project as well. We estimate that based on Rivertown’s population density, HOH should have an approximately 8,000 square foot park. This area needs to be built efficiently to allow multiple users to participate at once without crowding or crossing paths. Skatepark-specific designers AND construction organizations are needed to make the most of the allotted land.