PROJECT NARRATIVE
WETHERSFIELD SKATE PARK
MILL WOODS PARK
WETHERSFIELD, CT
BY
MICHAEL WEREMAY
BECKMAN/WEREMAY, LTD.
MARCH 2, 2005
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Town of Wethersfield proposes to reconstruct the existing skatepark within the Mill Woods Park complex. The existing skatepark is a former double tennis court complex measuring 100’ x 130’. The asphalt surface is in disrepair, with no fencing and broken asphalt surfacing. The existing park has lighting for night use.
The approved Master Plan for the park, dated March 28, 2002, proposes reconstruction of the skatepark. The approved plan indicates minor relocation of the skatepark to accommodate a future road.
The new skatepark will be primarily used by skateboarders. The town anticipates that the facility will also be enjoyed by rollerbladers and bicyclists.
Funding for the park was raised as a result of the efforts of school-age teens in the community who are interested in skateboarding.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
The proposal calls for the construction of an in-ground concrete surfaced skatepark, consisting of bowls, ramps, rails, flat surfaces, and other skatepark features. The total area of the new park is approximately ½ of the existing paved surface. The need to accommodate the future planned road, the need to create a greater buffer between the skatepark and existing roads, environmental considerations, and available funding all impact the proposed size of the new skatepark.
The lower bowl portions of the skatepark will contain small catch basins with sumps and hoods, and will outlet to the banks by Goff Brook, above the wetland line. The outlet area will be reinforced with stone armor rip-rap. The volume of runoff will be less than ½ of that running into the brook from the existing asphalt surface.
All fill excavated from the site will remain on the site and be utilized to create sculpted landscape berms on the roadside of the park.
All of the existing asphalt and remaining fence parts will be removed and disposed of offsite.
New perimeter fencing, benches, picnic tables and trash barrels, along with restorative landscaping are all envisioned.
While the existing lighting will remain, the plan is to utilize that lighting for special occasions only.
The only signage proposed will be a pole mounted panel, less than 6’ high, located near the entry gate, and will identify the park and safety/use rules and regulations. The sign will be less than 15 square feet, and will not be lit.
If approved, the project is anticipated to commence in May, 2005 and be completed by September, 2005.
Respectfully submitted,
Beckman/Weremay, Ltd.
Michael Weremay, VP
