Middlebury Skatepark Project receives $5,000 grant from the Vermont Community Foundation to build mini-ramp

The Town of Middlebury can look forward to yet another new addition to Recreation Park this summer. Bike enthusiasts of all ages have already been enjoying the pump track constructed next to the Middlebury town pool earlier this spring. Now, skateboarders, scooter riders, inline skaters and wheeled sports enthusiasts of all kinds will also have a purpose-built space to practice in Recreation Park, while fundraising continues for a concrete skatepark at the same location.

Thanks to a $5,000 Spark Connecting Community Grant from the Vermont Community Foundation, the Middlebury Skatepark Project and its community partners will be building a mini-ramp, or small half pipe, next to the pool and bike pump track. While the non-profit’s ultimate goal is to bring a permanent, concrete skatepark to Middlebury, the mini-ramp will provide an interim purpose-built place to practice for those who skate and ride on a variety of wheels. “We hope the mini-ramp will help activate this corner of Recreation Park, and provide a safe, visible place for wheeled-sports enthusiasts of all ages to practice and gather as a community in the near-term while we fundraise for the concrete park,” said Jill Quackenbush, secretary of the board of the Middlebury Skatepark Project. “Once construction begins on the concrete skatepark, the mini-ramp can be disassembled into sections and moved to another location – it will live on even after the concrete park is built.”

South Burlington resident and skateboarder Joshua Buck donated his backyard mini-ramp to the project, which will be deconstructed, repaired and given new life as the foundation of the Middlebury ramp. Silver Maple Construction has been working closely with volunteers from the Middlebury Skatepark Project and experienced mini-ramp builders to design and construct additional sections for the mini-ramp in their woodshop, which will expand the mini-ramp from 16 feet wide to 24 feet wide. An early partner on the mini-ramp effort, Silver Maple has also contributed invaluable logistical support and expertise throughout all phases of the project. Nop Metalworks has donated sections of galvanized pipe for the coping material, and rk Miles has donated $1,000 worth of materials for the ramp, which will include 4 foot wide decks and railings.  The Middlebury Department of Public Works is donating materials and labor to prepare the site at Recreation Park, and the Teen Center acted as Middlebury Skatepark Project’s fiscal sponsor for the Spark Connecting Community grant. The Addison Central School District school board voted unanimously in May to allow the construction of the mini-ramp at Recreation Park, which is on property owned by the school district. 

The Middlebury Skatepark Project is planning a community build day on June 24th and is seeking volunteers who want to assist with final assembly of the mini-ramp. Experienced builders will be on-site to provide direction and ensure quality construction. Any interested volunteers can email Jill Quackenbush at middleburyskatepark@gmail.com for more information.

The Spark Connecting Community grant program puts building and nurturing community front and center. The Foundation aims to support the work happening throughout Vermont’s 251 towns that builds social capital. These grants—where a small amount can make a big difference—are intended to light the spark that keeps Vermonters healthy and happy.

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Middlebury Skatepark Project is a volunteer-run, 501(c)3 registered non-profit dedicated to the construction and stewardship of a free, public, concrete skatepark in Middlebury, Vermont. We envision a welcoming and inclusive skatepark of contemporary design built in the heart of Middlebury, supported by a coalition of individuals and partner organizations. Our aim is to nurture a happier, healthier and more vibrant community in Middlebury and surrounding towns, by promoting the physical, mental and emotional health benefits of wheeled sports, especially for youth. As stewards of the skatepark we are dedicated to providing a clean, safe and fun environment for all wheeled sports, and commit to supporting programming that expands and enhances outdoor recreation options in Addison County. 

For information on skatepark fundraising efforts, events and outreach, follow Middlebury Skatepark Project on Facebook or Instagram (@middleburyskateparkproject), visit www.middleburyskatepark.com to sign up for the monthly email newsletter, or email middleburyskatepark@gmail.com.

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The Vermont Community Foundation inspires giving and brings people and resources together to make a difference in Vermont. A family of hundreds of funds and foundations, we provide the advice, investment vehicles, and back-office expertise that make it easy for the people who care about Vermont to find and fund the causes they love.

The heart of the Community Foundation’s work is closing the opportunity gap—the divide that leaves too many Vermonters struggling to get ahead, no matter how hard they work. We are aligning our time, energy, and discretionary resources on efforts that provide access to early care and learning, pathways to college and career training, support for youth and families, and community and economic vitality. We envision Vermont at its best—where everyone has the opportunity to build a bright, secure future.

Visit vermontcf.org or call 802-388-3355 for more information.