Construction begins on town’s new SkateGarden

Enfield is breaking ground on a new community space with the construction of the SkateGarden, a combined skate park and outdoor recreational area. 

Greg Hutnik, Enfield’s deputy supervisor and project manager for the SkateGarden, outlined the project’s scope: “It’ll be a skate park and a nicely landscaped outdoor space — a skate garden, as it’s called — in the center of town that will not only be used for skateboarding opportunities, but for community events.” Hutnik added that an amphitheater and stage area will also be developed to accommodate various gatherings and performances.

The idea for the SkateGarden emerged during a period when Enfield was exploring new parks projects, encouraged by the availability of the Tompkins County Parks and Trails grant offering up to $5,000. During this time, an email from the nonprofit SkateGarden Inc. proposed building a skate park, coinciding with recent youth advocacy efforts. 

“It just seemed like the perfect opportunity to take the project on,” Hutnik stated. The town applied for and received the grant, paving the way for the SkateGarden’s creation.

Unlike neighboring towns with established parks, Enfield has relied on the Enfield Community Center for its recreational needs. The new SkateGarden, situated on underused town land, aims to provide a dedicated outdoor recreation area. Hutnik explained, “It’s really taking an underused, vacant piece of town property and turning it into a place completely dedicated for outdoor recreation.”

Details from the May 8 Enfield Town Board meeting reveal additional elements of the project. The current model for the SkateGarden measures 100′ x 100′. Pollinator gardens will be incorporated, with some areas featuring edible plants such as berry bushes. This aspect is intended to enhance the site’s environmental value. When the Enfield Community Council inquired about its involvement, it was clarified that this is strictly a town project.

Daniel Woodring, founder of SkateGarden Inc. and a dedicated Trumansburg resident, has been passionately advocating for youth skating opportunities in the area. As highlighted in a 2022 Tompkins Weekly article, Woodring has a deep-rooted connection to the community and a fervent desire to enhance its recreational offerings.

“SkateGarden works closely with town officials to set reasonable monthly goals,” Woodring explained via email. “Enfield came together so naturally, we had to follow through.”

When asked about future projects, Woodring declined to comment.

The SkateGarden is expected to benefit the community by providing an additional space for youth activities, complementing the existing programs at the Enfield Community Center. The project aligns with a goal from Enfield’s 2019 comprehensive plan to increase recreational opportunities within the town, Hutnick noted.

However, ongoing management and programming are identified as key challenges. Hutnick said, “The next step for the town is understanding the management of this space and how to use it to its advantage.”

The initial phase, including the construction of the main skateboarding bowl, is slated for completion by the end of the year, with future phases planned to accommodate skateboarders of all skill levels and additional community events.

As a community project, the SkateGarden’s development and future use will involve input from Enfield residents. Regular updates and discussions at town board meetings will keep the community informed and engaged.

For those interested in learning more about the SkateGarden project and staying updated on its progress, you can attend the next Enfield town meeting on July 11 at 6:30 p.m. Check the town’s website or contact the town hall for meeting schedules and agendas. 

If you are interested in getting involved with different projects and events, follow SkateGarden on social media for updates and more information. You’ll find them on Facebook at SkateGardenInc or on Instagram @skategarden_org.

In Brief

Enfield Volunteer Fire Company and Bangs Ambulance were requested to a reported fully-involved structure fire June 29 on Hines Road in Newfield. 

One member of the fire department arrived in the first few minutes after dispatch and confirmed a fully involved apartment building/barn fire and immediately requested for additional companies to respond to the scene. 

Several fire vehicles from the Enfield department and units/ manpower from Newfield, Trumansburg, Mecklenburg, Danby, and West Danby all responded to the scene.

Firefighters on scene worked to extinguish the stubborn blaze and were able to bring it under control after an hour on scene. Into the evening, Enfield crews were still chasing hot spots due to the severity of involvement within the structure.

One firefighter was transported to the hospital for Injuries, and two firefighters were treated on scene by EMS crews, all with minor injuries.

Enfield Fire gave thanks to Newfield Fire Company, Trumansburg Fire Department, Mecklenburg Fire Company, Danby Fire Company, West Danby Fire Company, Bangs Ambulance, Red Cross, Tompkins County Sheriffs, Tompkins County DoER, NYS Fire, Tompkins County Coordinators, Tompkins County Highway Dept, and dedicated firefighter/ EMS crews for assisting on scene.