This was a project that had been in the works for over 20 years. With an incredibly dedicated group of Saranac Lake residents, the Skatepark Committee at the helm, parlayed community donations, in-kind support and grants to obtain funding from large foundations, even receiving a $25,000 grant from the Tony Hawk Foundation.
The Skatepark Committee’s mission is to raise awareness of skateboarding as a positive sport and to provide a safe place for our youth to practice one of their favorite activities.
Grant Analysis: Success
This project was a beautiful example of public and private entities working together to build the park which now sits in the center of Saranac Lake. The park was completed in July of 2015 to a very appreciative and eager community of skaters, parents and enthusiasts of all walks of life.
Located in Saranac Lake’s Midtown Lot at 155 Church Street, the 5,200 sq. ft all-concrete SkatePark is a state-of-the-art facility. It has transformed a dismal parking lot into an oasis of function and beauty in the heart of the Village.
In August 2017, Cloudsplitter Foundation gave a subsequent grant of $5,000 for lighting at the Skatepark which was completed in August 2018. The lights are on an automatic timer set to go on a half hour before dusk and off at 9:30PM Sun-Fri, and 11:30PM on Saturdays. The LED lights create an extremely well-lit park without pollution of light to the surroundings. Skateboarders enjoy the extended hours and the SkatePark Committee continues its support of the park, working with skateboarders who volunteer their time with learn-to-skateboard sessions, competitions, celebrations and assisting with ongoing landscaping and maintenance.
- Grant Name: [1] Saranac Lake Skatepark, [1]Light up the Skatepark
- Project Size: [1] $305,083 includes in-kind donations of $134,357; [2] $48,000
- Grant Amount: $17,500 over a period of three years in two separate grants
- Strategic Value: Improving the Village, Supporting Youth Services, Health and Fitness, Community Gathering