MISSION STATEMENT
The Easthampton Skatepark Initiative (ESI) is dedicated to designing, funding, and building a safe, inclusive, and community-oriented all-wheels skatepark at Millside Park. Our mission is to provide free, accessible opportunities for skateboarding, BMX, scooters, rollerblading, and other wheeled sports for youth and residents of all ages, fostering health, creativity, community pride, and positive youth development.
PURPOSE
The specific purposes of the Easthampton Skatepark Initiative include:
• To plan, fundraise for, and oversee the development of a public all-wheels skatepark at Millside Park in Easthampton, Massachusetts.
• To collaborate with the Easthampton Parks Department, Parks Commission, City Council, and community partners to create recreational opportunities that promote wellness, creativity, and inclusivity.
• To provide educational outreach on the benefits of skateparks and action sports, emphasizing positive youth development, community-building, and accessible recreation.
• To raise funds through grants, donations, sponsorships, and events in support of the skatepark’s construction, programming, and ongoing maintenance.
• To engage volunteers, residents, and organizations in fostering a safe and vibrant community space.
Opening day at The David W. MacDonald Memorial Skatepark, September 1997
Gazette File Photo/Kevin Gutting
HISTORY
The first skatepark in Easthampton opened as a memorial to David MacDonald in 1997. That park existed until 2004. Beginning as early as 2002, creating a new and more modern skatepark was envisioned to occur at the area now known as Millside Park. A skatepark design was included in plans for the creation of Millside Park in 2005. In 2008, Millside Park was completed – but without a skatepark. In 2019, a group of residents and skateboard advocates began the current effort to construct a new, inclusive, all-wheels park in Easthampton.
2022: The initial skatepark design meeting was held in April 2021 in City Hall and was well attended. The final presentation of the Pleasant Street Mills District Study to City Council included reference to adding a skatepark to Millside Park.
2023: The Mayor and City Council President submitted a letter to the Parks Commission in support of the creation of a skatepark in Easthampton. Easthampton Skate Club opens within the Eastworks building, providing a supervised and safe indoor skatepark to teach and foster the future users of the public skatepark.
2024: The skatepark design for Millside Park was presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission in September by the designer. The presentation includes general information about the benefits and target demographics for a skatepark. After the presentation, the Parks Commission voted to approve allowing the skatepark to be located at Millside.
2025: The City of Easthampton approved $250,000 towards the project and a $425,000 PARC Grant was awarded.
We are now on the final stage of fundraising with the goal of reaching $85,000 by June 2026!
SKATEPARK FAQ
Who uses the skatepark?
Not just skateboards, but BMX, scooters, roller skates, inline skates, etc. A properly designed and constructed skatepark is future-proof and meets the needs of all these groups.
How does the skatepark serve the community?
Each of these action sports has its own community and culture that a properly designed skatepark fosters and nourishes.
What age groups will use the skatepark?
All ages, with a focus on 10-17 (14-year-old median).
Is bigger better?
Nope! We prefer to evaluate the area and consider accessibility to at-risk youth by creating multiple spots and community skateparks to complement a regional or district skatepark.
How much will the skatepark cost?
The total estimated cost for the skatepark is $750,000. Approximately $62,500 is for design, permitting and engineering and $687,500 is construction. The cost could change once the final design is completed and goes out for public construction bidding.