Auburn’s new skatepark is complete!
The city officially announced on Wednesday that the fencing is down around the skatepark at Casey Park and the space is now open for public use. The park’s operating hours will be from dawn to dusk. The new park will be 10,000 sq ft, roughly 50% larger than the approximately 6,500 sq ft original which was dismantled earlier this year.
“This is exciting as we have reached a pinnacle point in this major investment in the youth of our community and we look forward to 100% completion in the Spring of 2024. On behalf of our City we thank the skatepark advisory committee and all that participated in this process. Special thanks to the local and national foundations and our State and Federal representatives that joined the City of Auburn to obtain the funding for the project,” stated Mayor Michael D. Quill.
Continued improvements to the park, such as a connecting pathway and pavilion renovations will take place in the spring. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place in late spring after the remaining improvements are completed.
Originally slated to be completed in October, Auburn City Planner Renee Jensen previously told Finger Lakes News Radio that unforeseen delays related to insurance set the project’s start day back; however, construction crews made great progress.
City Councilor Terry Cuddy was a driving force in the creation of the new park. He believes the park will be a significant contribution to the city’s image.
“This is a world class skatepark that enhances our Casey Park and Falcon Park facilities. Thank you to the children and families of the skating community that organized to assist with making this project a reality. This is an investment in Auburn’s youth and will contribute significantly to making our city an attractive place to raise a family,” stated Councilor Cuddy.”
Created by Grindline Skateparks Inc, the nearly one million dollar park was made possible through city, state, and federal grant programs as well as contributions from local and national foundations. A funding breakdown can be found below.
- $250,000 City of Auburn Community Development Block Grant Program
- $250,000 NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Environmental Protection Fund (EPF)
- $251,344.50 from the City of Auburn’s American Rescue Plan Act Fund
- $150,000 from The Emerson Foundation
- $40,000 from The Skatepark Project
- $25,000 SW Metcalf Foundation
- $10,000 DE French Foundation
