Night Skate Lights Up Skatepark

By TIM KELLY On a cold but clear night, members of the Ocean City skating community got together Saturday for a fun night and an opportunity to help others. A “Night Skate” at the Ocean City Skatepark, on Asbury Avenue near Fifth Street, drew a large group of youngsters, each of whom donated a Christmas present. The gifts are to be distributed to less fortunate local children. “It was highly successful,” said event organizer Willie Fannon. “It’s just a great opportunity for the community to get together and to help kids learn that it’s cool to give back.” Gifts donated by the skaters for those less fortunate sit under the Christmas tree at the skatepark’s neighbor, the Ocean City Fire Department headquarters. Event organizer Willie Fannon is at right. (Photo courtesy of Willie Fannon) Although temperatures at the park topped out at 28 degrees, skies were clear and illuminated by portable lights donated by the park’s next-door neighbor, the Ocean City Fire Department. Everyone was too busy doing tricks and catching big air to notice the cold. The skatepark is a destination for skaters far outside of town as well as locals during regular daytime operating hours. It takes on an entirely different vibe in the evening, according to Fannon. “Some of the parents told me their kids have been looking forward to this event all week,” he said. “The city gave the kids an opportunity to enjoy this incredible facility in a way that is totally unique and different." Skating at night under the lights gives the park a different vibe than the daytime. The Ocean City Skate Club was instrumental in making the event a success, Fannon pointed out. “Mark, Paul and Dominic from the Skate Club did an outstanding job,” he said. Skaters enjoyed a “Jam” in the park’s main bowl, free skating around other areas of the facility, music and snacks donated by Making Waves of St. Peter’s Church. “Kids are looking for things to do and there is always something going on in Ocean City,” Fannon said. “I’m happy (the skate community) can be a part of the great things happening in this town. The city has given these kids something else to do.” Skaters show off their moves in the park's "bowl."