First-of-its-kind project in Perinton will welcome families and children of all ages and abilities; Town is seeking community input on the project.
Town Supervisor Ciaran Hanna today announced plans for a new skatepark to be located in Perinton Park, as well as an opportunity for the community to provide input on the proposed project. The Town has engaged with local skatepark advocates for more than a year in the development of this first-of-its-kind amenity in Perinton. While still in the initial stages of project development and design with many steps ahead, the Town is hopeful that the project will be completed in 2023.
“There is a lot of excitement growing throughout our community at the prospect of a skatepark in Perinton,” said Hanna. “A skatepark would enhance our world-class parks system, contribute to our quality of life, bolster our local economy and businesses through tourism, and provide a safe outlet for kids of all ages. At this time, we would like to ask our residents what they want to see at their community skatepark. We hope it will be a place for generations of children and families to learn to skate and ride, and we want our community to help shape that future.”
The Town is early in the planning stages of this project and actively seeking community input before the design and site characteristics are determined. However, the Town has identified several priorities for the project. This includes a space that will be attractive to individuals of all ages, abilities, and interests related to wheeled sports. Plans also include publicly accessible pathways to bathrooms and other amenities available within the park, as well as a multi-use space for learn-to-skate programs and special events. To address the stigma around graffiti, the Town would like to incorporate a community art space within the skatepark with the assistance of the Fairport Public Art Committee. Community members are welcome to submit their ideas and feedback on the Town’s website. All feedback will be collected by September 15, 2022.
“We are proud to offer services and amenities for all members of our community. The addition of a skatepark will provide a healthy recreational opportunity for those interested in non-traditional sports. This will be designed considering the accessibility and experience for participants of all wheeled sports, ages, and experience levels. We look forward to this enhancement at Perinton Park,” said Jeff Nutting, Commissioner of Recreation and Parks.
The Town of Perinton has partnered with a local volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) organization, the Fairport Perinton Partnership, to gather advocates in our community interested in designing, funding, and building a skatepark. Greg Pilato, a Perinton resident and active member of the Fairport Skatepark Campaign, is among the group of advocates.
“The announcement of this project is just another example of what makes Perinton such a great place to live and raise a family. The Town has a substantial population of action sports athletes and supporters, who will welcome a safe and dedicated place to practice their sport of choice. A skatepark in Perinton will help promote healthy and active lifestyles for our local youth, as well as provide an exciting addition to the community,” said Pilato.
The Town has engaged with state and federal partners to pursue grant dollars for the project. In addition, the Town and community partners are actively seeking funding from several other sources, including local business stewardship, individual private philanthropy, and grant funding. Perinton Park is located off Fairport Road (31F), with entrances from O’Connor Road, in the northwest quadrant of Perinton. It is located along the Erie Canal and a short walking distance to the heart of the Village of Fairport. The 43.6-acre park, which already has many beautiful and highly used attractions such as a rentable building and shelter, athletic courts, a large family playground and picnic amenities, has space available to host the proposed addition of a skatepark.
