(April 27, 2017) By a unanimous vote, including one emphatic vote of “absolutely” by Berlin Councilman Thom Gulyas, the town agreed to allow Sean McLaren to set up public-use skateboard ramps once a month at Berlin Falls park starting in May.
McLaren will set up the ramps on the east and north sides of the main building at Berlin Falls, on Old Ocean City Road, on the last Sunday of each month from May 28 through Oct. 29. Skating events will be free and open to the public, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
He agreed to provide adult supervision with at least two adults present at all times, as well as establish a parking area for guests and provide $1 million in general liability insurance.
In exchange, the town will allow McLaren to store the ramps onsite at no charge until the agreement ends.
Parks Commission Chairman Mike Wiley read a letter of support on behalf of McLaren.
“About two or three months ago, Sean appeared before the parks commission at our monthly meeting with a proposal to host a once-a-month bike safety seminar at the site of our new park. Included would be some type of temporary skate board facility,” Wiley said. “No actual vote was held since the idea was in the early planning stage. However, all members of the board that night discussed the idea and were very impressed with his ideas and support this as a temporary solution.”
Wiley said members of the parks commission regularly fielded requests for some kind of skateboard facility.
“The main obstacle was always, ‘yes, we need a skateboard area, but not in my backyard.’ It looks like there are not any backyards that would be affected by this,” Wiley said. “I believe, Mr. Mayor, you have the closest backyard.”
He said he hoped a permanent skate park would be one of the first things planned for Berlin Falls.
Councilman Troy Purnell called the temporary skateboard park a fantastic idea and Mayor Gee Williams said he hoped the events would help engage the next generation of leadership in Berlin.
McLaren said he hoped not just skateboarders would take part in the happenings, but also photographers, artists and musicians.
“It’s not our goal to push for a skate park – that’s not why I’m here,” he said. “I’m here to push for an outlet for our youth for them to get together. I don’t feel, in my 25 years down here, that I’ve done that. I’d like to do that now.”
McLaren will set up the ramps on the east and north sides of the main building at Berlin Falls, on Old Ocean City Road, on the last Sunday of each month from May 28 through Oct. 29. Skating events will be free and open to the public, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
He agreed to provide adult supervision with at least two adults present at all times, as well as establish a parking area for guests and provide $1 million in general liability insurance.
In exchange, the town will allow McLaren to store the ramps onsite at no charge until the agreement ends.
Parks Commission Chairman Mike Wiley read a letter of support on behalf of McLaren.
“About two or three months ago, Sean appeared before the parks commission at our monthly meeting with a proposal to host a once-a-month bike safety seminar at the site of our new park. Included would be some type of temporary skate board facility,” Wiley said. “No actual vote was held since the idea was in the early planning stage. However, all members of the board that night discussed the idea and were very impressed with his ideas and support this as a temporary solution.”
Wiley said members of the parks commission regularly fielded requests for some kind of skateboard facility.
“The main obstacle was always, ‘yes, we need a skateboard area, but not in my backyard.’ It looks like there are not any backyards that would be affected by this,” Wiley said. “I believe, Mr. Mayor, you have the closest backyard.”
He said he hoped a permanent skate park would be one of the first things planned for Berlin Falls.
Councilman Troy Purnell called the temporary skateboard park a fantastic idea and Mayor Gee Williams said he hoped the events would help engage the next generation of leadership in Berlin.
McLaren said he hoped not just skateboarders would take part in the happenings, but also photographers, artists and musicians.
“It’s not our goal to push for a skate park – that’s not why I’m here,” he said. “I’m here to push for an outlet for our youth for them to get together. I don’t feel, in my 25 years down here, that I’ve done that. I’d like to do that now.”