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Meetings, this week, to find an alternative location for the Asbury Park Skateboard Foundation’s proposed project did not prove fruitful, according to a Thursday afternoon conversation with Mayor John Moor.

Moor and City Manager Michael Capabianco held Tuesday meetings with Housing Authority and School District officials to determine whether property the two entities own could better fit the estimated 10,000 square-foot design.

“There is no land available that could accommodate the project,” Moor said. “We are continuing to look at other sites.”

Moor has said the municipal owned land in the western portion of the city are all smaller lots within residential zones, not suitable for the skateboard park design.

The Asbury Park Skateboard Foundation [APSBF], a nonprofit formed in 2015, is seeking the designation of city owned land for the construction of a free, public skateboard park. Their project plans were introduced last month before the City Council, with a request for the use of an over 11,000 square foot section in western area of Sunset Park.

Immediate concerns about the location included placing an active recreation facility in what is now considered a passive park, just how the skateboard park would affect neighbors, whether the near 100-year-old trees would be removed, noise pollution, and liability.

The foundation responded by adding a Community Concerns response page to its website.

Co-founder Brian Watkins has said the proposed project does not call for the removal of trees and if that proved to be a necessity down the line, the foundation would replace them. He said the Foundation’s intention was to design the free, pubic space around existing trees.

“Our intention is not to remove any trees,” Watkins said. “We are trying to enhance the space.”

With the [current] design proposal for Sunset Park, he said “we wouldn’t hinder any existing recreation.”

Watkins said the design would include benches.

APSBF’s mission is to not only provide a state-of-the-art active recreation facility for all skill levels but to utilize the space to run educational programs, clinics and autism awareness programs for the city’s youth, as well as festivals and other special events for a wider audience.

As they work with city officials to vet the best location for the skateboard park, APSBF members are racing to secure funding. The park will be constructed at no cost to the municipality via donations and grants.

On Saturday, the Foundation will host a curated Photography exhibit from 7 to 10 pm. at Café Volan. The artists include residents Kamelia Ani and Chris Spiegel, as well as Felipe Lara, Zoli Boil, Keith Sirchio, Jon McGrath, and Ken Salerno.

Having already obtained the attention of national organizations and groups, the event features sponsorships by Pabst Blue Ribbon [PBR], Adidas, Arizona Ice Tea, Transworld Skateboarding magazine, and Natural Koncept. PBR and Arizona will provide complimentary beverages during the event and an after party is planned at the Asbury Park Yacht Club on the boardwalk.

Cafe Volan in located at 510 Bangs Avenue.

For more information, visit their website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

[Featured photo courtesy of Sara Stadtmiller]

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