Skate Park Committee Raises $12K, Nears Fundraising Goal

The Save the Chatham Skate Park Committee is more than two-thirds of their way to their fundraising goal of $15,000, thanks to recent donations.

Mimi Mehta said the committee has raised $12,000 of the $15,000 needed for a new asphalt surface at the skate park.

"The asphalt surface at the park remains deteriorated and bumpy. A principal reason that park use had dropped off in the first place is because of the condition of the asphalt," Mehta said.

The Rotary Club of Chatham, Madison and Short Hills recently donated $1,000 towards the new asphalt surface. President Jack Higgins said, “The park provides a much-needed place for older children to spend free time practicing a sport they enjoy.”

This is not the first time local Rotarians have donated toward the Skate Park. When the park opened in 2003 the club donated funds for its construction and opening.

The committee also recently found fundraising from an unlikely source. Third-grade student Matthew Stokes of Summit was a frequent skater in the park until it closed in August 2012.

"The park is the only skate park open to the public located near him," Mehta said. When Matthew learned the park could close permanently, he had his parents sign the petition to save the park.

Now the park has reopened, but Matthew is still working to support it. He asked the administration at The Washington School in Summit for permission to put a collection jar in the school office. Then he asked his classmates, friends and family to contribute money. He collected $50 towards the new asphalt coat for the park.

A bumpy asphalt creates a safety hazard to skaters and poses a danger that the skate park may continue to decline in use.

"In order to ensure a safe environment at the park and create an enjoyable skating experience that will last for years to come, the Chatham Skate Park Committee has undertaken a campaign to raise $15,000 to go towards a new acrylic skating surface designed specifically for skate wheels," Mehta said.

The towards the skate park, and the Municipal Alliance of the Chathams donated $500.

"The goal of the Chatham Skate Park Committee is to raise all of the money by May 1 so that the renovation can be complete for the summer season," Mehta said.

To that end the women have established the Chatham Skate Park Committee with a Facebook page and website. The committee is accepting tax-deductible donations.

Tax-deductible donations for the skate park can be made by writing a check to Chatham Township with "Chatham Skate Park" in the memo line.