The “Reid 360” fundraising campaign to repair, expand and light the Reid Menzer Memorial Skatepark has topped its $500,000 stretch goal, raising a remarkable $540,000 to expand the park and ensure that it is maintained in perpetuity at private expense. Campaign Chairman Bill Shipley called it an “amazing response that proves what a generous and committed community we live in.” “Most of the contributions came from people who have never touched a skateboard but who understand how important the park is to the quality of life in York for thousands of users,” said Shipley. Completion of the campaign comes on the eighth anniversary of Reid Menzer’s death in 2006 that spurred the initial park construction.

Initial repairs planned as part of the campaign have already been completed.  Structural Restoration Services of Loganville, PA restored naturally-occurring cracking and upgraded the expansion joints of the park, completing their work in December of 2013. The work was overseen by the donated efforts of Fritz Read, owner of Read & Company Architects.

The design for the expansion and lighting of the park is underway and will begin in the spring of 2014. Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects of York is donating their services to lead the effort, in consultation with experts who were involved in the original skatepark design and local skaters led by skatepark committee member Jon Gordon, owner of Exist Skateboard Shop in York. Barton Associates is donating the electrical design, and Wagman Construction is donating construction management services.

The expansion project will add additional elements to the park fashioned from salvaged industrial objects that typify York’s industrial heritage. It will add 7,125 square feet to the existing park, enlarging it by 35 percent. The lighting will extend the hours that the park can be enjoyed by users, particularly by students in the spring and fall months. Additional enhancements will include shade and an edge treatment to stabilize areas damaged by erosion and overuse.

A maintenance endowment that will be created at the York County Community Foundation will ensure that resources are available to keep the park in outstanding condition for many years.

Skatepark Committee Chair Brenda Welty said she was gratified by the response of community leaders on behalf of skaters. “I’ve watched the skatepark get heavy use for five years now,” she said. “It is so exciting to see it expanded and improved.” Welty, whose son Dakota is a park user, has organized park competitions and events and led the skatepark committee into this capital campaign. “Brenda is a trooper,” said Shipley. “She’s a great example of someone who is passionate about a cause and sticks with it. Everyone who uses the park owes her a debt of thanks.”

The skatepark opened in September of 2008 as a memorial to 14-year-old Reid Menzer, who was killed when he was struck by a car while riding his street luge. He was a skater who spoke often about York needing a skatepark where both beginners and experienced skaters could safely learn and enjoy their passion. The park sits on land donated by the City of York in Veterans Memorial Park and was built entirely with donations. Since its opening, it has won accolades as one of the finest parks in the region and has been enjoyed by tens of thousands of users. It represents an outstanding public-private collaboration

To learn more about the Reid Menzer Memorial Skatepark and the capital campaign visit www.reidmenzermemorialskatepark.org.