*Background*
Back in the '90s and early 2000s, Footbridge Park was a vibrant grassroots skate spot that allowed people to gather, skate and play music. Over the years, the original skate crew, and several subsequent groups, attempted to initiate an official park with the town itself, but didn't gain enough municipal support at the time.
That space, now, an unused and forgotten corner of Footbridge Park in historic Blairstown, NJ, is the future home of
A 7,000 - 10,000 sf poured concrete skatepark, with an integrated outdoor amphitheater designed by 5th Pocket Skateparks.
Outdoor gallery spaces to feature local artists
Improved accessibility to the park so everyone can enjoy it even more
Lighting in the parking lot for safety and visibility
A place for families and young people to be a part of their community in a new way!
Footbridge Park is rich in beauty and history. Both the Paulinskill River and the Paulinskill Trail run through it- two incredible local resources that allow locals, and visitors alike, to appreciate rural NJ. The park is also the former site of a train station that supported the early growth of our town, putting Blairstown on the map.
After a few years of planning and coordination, the Blairstown Enhancement Committee is happy to have the unequivocal support of the Blairstown Township Committee to pursue this project further. The support from current and past residents has been overwhelming! The time to build an outdoor community recreation space is now!
Our fundraising goal of $500,000 is ambitious, but we truly believe the community want to make this happen with us, and we are so excited to be organizing this effort!
Approximate Breakdown:
80% of funds to Skatepark Design/Construct.
8% to research + development, including Administrative expenses over the course of the project (likely 2-3 years) to handle permitting, planning, government interfacing; printing signage; holding community meetings; etc.
12% to lighting and additional elements not yet mentioned
During the course of the project we will aim to solicit in-kind donations (aka material donations, volunteer hours, professional expertise) from the community to get everyone as involved as possible, while also reducing the cost of the project. Any funds in excess of our goal, or in excess of estimated costs, will go right back into the community via the Blairstown Enhancement Committee, an official nonprofit organization (501c3).
A sidenote - if any environmental (ie proximity to the Paulinskill River) or other unforeseen matters prevent the project from getting approval at the state level, we will work with the town to relocate the skate and arts park. That said, we are optimistic for the location as planned and are working with town, county, and state authorities to work through the bureacracy!
We will be adding tons more assets, a new-and-improved website, graphics, and info in the coming weeks. For now, please join us in getting the word out and making this happen!
THANK YOU!!!
Team Footbridge of the Blairstown Enhancement Committee
Contact us at footbridge@blairstownbec.com!
