Sharp-eye observers may have spotted a new addition to the Cape May County Skate Park on Asbury Ave.
Avid skateboarder Steve Bereris with sons Constantine (left) and Charlie stand in front of the Cape May County Skate Park’s new Christmas tree, given by an anonymous donor. Skaters are being encouraged to help decorate the tree and provide donations to the Community Food Cupboard.
The beautifully landscaped park, which opened recently to the delight of area skating enthusiasts, is now sporting an illuminated Christmas tree.
The spruce tree, provided by an anonymous donor, stands about 8-feet tall and is adorned with white lights. But soon, it could be fully-decorated thanks to those who use the new facility. Skateboarders are being encouraged to bring ornaments to hang on the tree, and with them, donations of canned goods for the benefit of the Ocean City Ecumenical Council’s Community Food Cupboard.
“The skate park is a welcome addition to town and just one more attraction that shows why we are America’s Greatest Family Resort,” Second Ward Councilman Antwan McClellan said. “The park has been a hit with local skateboarders and those who travel from Philadelphia and beyond. And now, the skateboarding community is showing us its holiday spirit is second to none. It’s nice to see them giving back and helping our less fortunate neighbors.”
The park is one of the city’s most-used public facilities. Even on a chilly December day, more than 30 skaters were seen zipping around the facility’s rails, bowl and snake run. During the week it is open from
11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on weekends from
9 a.m. to dusk.
Most mornings, eager skateboarders are already waiting for the gates to open well ahead of the official opening time. Weekday activity at the park really picks up when the intermediate school and high school dismisses students. The local skaters expressed gratitude to have one of the best facilities of its kind located in town, while visitors said they hoped the park would serve as a model for their own municipalities to build something similar.
The recent unseasonably warm weather has brought out even more skaters, who range in age from 3-year-old toddlers to 40-something veteran enthusiasts. First Ward Councilman Mike DeVlieger hopes it will also bring out a large number of donations for the Food Cupboard.
Skaters are known for having a lot of courage to try new tricks and to push the envelope of their abilities. “I know that they also have big hearts,” DeVlieger said.
“This is a great opportunity for us to give thanks and a helping hand to the hungry in our community. If we all give a little, it will mean a lot to those in need,” he said.
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News release from Tim Kelly
