Back in 1999, the Town of Parma became the first municipality in Western New York to build and operate an inline skate/skateboard park; and, even though five years later similar facilities are scattered throughout many towns within Monroe County, Parma's park is still well utilized by community youth. Located at Parma Town Park on Route 259, next to the basketball courts, this lighted facility is presently being updated with new ramps and rails. In October, the Parma Town Board entered into an agreement to purchase the ramps and rails owned by Horizon Skateway on Ling Road, and relocate them to Parma's park. A collaboration with the Village of Hilton DPW, the Parma Highway, the Parma Park's Department, several volunteers, and Horizon made moving the ramps possible. The reassembling process is being handled by the volunteer efforts of Patrick Smith, chairperson of the Hilton-Parma Recreation and Parks Commission and owner of Patrick Smith Contractors. The overall cost of the skate park equipment was allocated from a Recreation Fund established to purchase park equipment, and all dismantling costs and reassembling materials will be purchased from funds made available by the Rochester Monroe County Youth Bureau, who also lent their financial assistance to the original park. The commitment from the Parma Town Board to update this facility will include a six-foot half pipe, several quarter pipe and bank ramps, an additional spine ramp, a pyramid ramp, a launch box ramp, and several grinding rails. Skate Park patrons can expect the 3' half pipe ramp, purchased in part by M&T Bank of Hilton and the Hilton Apple Fest Committee, to remain as a popular skating opportunity. |
