Bennington residents will soon be able to enjoy a new skatepark in part thanks to a recently launched crowdfunding campaign.
The campaign is sponsored by the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development’s Better Places program and offered through the crowdfunding platform developed by Patronicity. The campaign is led by an all-volunteer committee with support from the Town of Bennington’s Office of Community Development.
“Access to outdoor recreation opportunities is essential to the health and well-being of every community,” said Department of Housing and Community Development Commissioner Alex Farrell. “The Bennington Skatepark Project will create an exciting destination with trail connectivity for people to build skate skills and community.”
If the campaign reaches its $20,000.00 crowd funding goal by June 30, 2024 the "Bennington Skatepark Project” will receive a matching grant of $40,000 from DHCD’s Better Places program. Additional funding is being provided using ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds, Penny For Parks funds, and additional grants have been applied for.
For project details and to DONATE, please visit: https://www.patronicity.com/project/bennington_skatepark_project#!/
The Town of Bennington and the Bennington Skatepark Committee are planning a 16,000 square foot skatepark at Rotary Park in downtown Bennington. The skatepark will have a classic concrete "snake run", as well as multiple concrete bowls and features for skateboards, bicycles, and scooters.
The park will be designed and built by GRINDLINE Skateparks, a company that has built award winning skateparks all over the USA, including the Manchester and Burlington skateparks. New lighting will improve security at the park and make it usable into the early evening hours. The park will also have additional benches and picnic tables for all ages to enjoy the space.
May 15 UPDATEAnother donation to the Skate Park crowd funding campaign brings the effort to 73% of the total needed!
Jim Martinez of the Tri-State Federal Credit Union gives a check for $1,000 to Simon Wells, one of the members of the Bennington Skatepark Committee.
Just a little more than $5,000 remains to reach the $20,000 goal. Once reached, the state will match the effort with another $40,000! The total cost of the project is around $900,000; 1/3 paid with ARPA funds, 1/3 paid through fundraising and grants, and once successful raising the first 2/3, the final 1/3 would be paid using money from the Penny For Parks fund.
Please help us reach out goal and donate today: https://www.patronicity.com/project/bennington_skatepark_project#!/
Raising this $60,000 will be added to the $210,000 in grants and donations already received, leaving only $30,000 to raise to complete the fundraising and grants portion of the funding.
Photo of Skatepark built by GRINDLINE Skateparks in Manchester, VT, used by permission.