Greetings Skatepark Community –

My, do we find ourselves in challenging times. As Give Local York 2020 approaches, I wanted to give you a heads-up on our participation in that campaign.

There has been discussion and debate among some of us involved in leadership of the skatepark committee regarding whether we should participate this year when there is such compelling human need and economic crisis in our community. We have decided to do so and would appreciate your continued support if you are able and moved to contribute. That decision is based on several factors.

The first is practical – the park needs our continued funding and support to maintain our legacy of providing an outstanding experience without costing the taxpayers a penny. We have never asked for or accepted money from the City of York, and we will not do so now. I will be clear – the city has been an incredible partner since day one, and they continue to give us enormous moral and logistical support. But all the repair and maintenance work at the park is done with donated money. This is really our only opportunity annually to take advantage of the giving infrastructure Give Local provides to small organizations such as ours.

Second, prior to the Coronavirus crisis hitting, we committed to installing the long-planned shade structure at the park, in memory of Dan Glorioso. Thanks to the generous support of Murphy & Ditttenhafer Architects, Mowery Construction, Fitz & Smith Excavating, Keith Smith Concrete and Salvaging Creativity, the foundations are in place and a contract signed to fabricate the shelter. We are counting on Give Local York 2020 contributions to complete that project in a financially responsible way. Not participating would leave that in limbo.

And finally, let us not disregard the value of the park as a place of refuge and support for the hundreds of skaters who use it as a safe and healthy place to ride. When the immediate crisis passes, the park clearly has value as a community gathering place that is especially important to its users.

We strongly encourage you to give to York’s COVID-19 Response Fund and other Give Local York 2020 participating organizations that are providing a front-line response to those in need. Then, if your means allow, please consider also giving again to the skatepark.

Be safe and be well.

R. Eric Menzer
Reid Menzer Memorial Skatepark Committee Member