New Bedford Unveils Skatepark Plans, Seeks Public Input

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — The City of New Bedford is asking skateboarders for their thoughts on the draft sketches for a new skatepark that will be constructed in place of the one that was dismantled to make way for the Interstate 195 improvements.

Why the Original New Bedford Skatepark Was Unique

What made the previous skatepark unique is that it was built and maintained by the skaters themselves. Rather reflecting an architect or a planner’s vision of what a skatepark should be, it was more organic.

So when the park had to be dismantled as part of the overhaul of the I-195/Route 18 interchange, the City of New Bedford wanted to ensure that there would be space provided for a new park and that the skaters themselves would be part of the design process for it.

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Community Input Driving New Design

“The Planning Department engaged with people from the City’s skating community to gather ideas and design the proposed skatepark,” City Public Information Officer Jonathan Darling said. “The City’s skating community has much to be proud of, from the skaters on the national stage who started right here, to the resourcefulness and vision they had to create the park as pioneers of our urban landscape.”

The City released the draft sketches for the new park last week, and is now looking for feedback from the skating community on the proposed design. New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell presented them in a social media video filmed on the site of the skatepark on April 3.

The New Bedford Planning Department teamed up with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, project contractor D.W. White, and American Ramp Company to revitalize the park, the details of which Darling said “show how unique and New Bedford this project will be.”

“We need you to weigh in on the draft sketches,” Mitchell said. “Tell us what you like about it, tell us what you don’t like about it. We want to improve it so when it's ready to be built, when this whole thing is done, we’ll have a skateboarding park that everyone can embrace.”

What’s Included in the Draft Skatepark Plan

Some of the features include a whale’s tail painted onto the surface of the park, an “NBMA” welded into one of the rails, plus the expected skateboarding features such as ramps, stairs, curbs, handrails, hubbas and a table. One of the most unique features is a wall in the shape of a whale.

How to Submit Feedback on the Design

Those who wish to chime in on the skatepark design can contact the City’s Planning Department at (508) 979-1488 or email Director Jennifer Carloni at jennifer.carloni@newbedford-ma.gov.