Young people may help design skateboard park in Marlboro

MARLBORO — Young people in Marlboro may one day have a place to practice their ollies and other skateboarding tricks as municipal officials have applied for a Tony Hawk Foundation Skatepark Grant.

A group of about 40 youths have formed the MSP, which stands for Marlboro Skate Park, with the help of the Marlboro Recreation Department. The young people are learning what it will take to develop and bring a skate park to the township.

Recreation specialist Liz Cellini said MSP includes young people in sixth grade through high school. The participants will be part of the planning process for the possible skate park, learning the ins and outs of what it will take to bring such a facility to Marlboro, Cellini explained.

"We want it to be their skate park," she said.

The members of MSP may visit other skate parks to get an idea of the design layouts and elements that other skate parks offer.

The Tony Hawk Foundation Skatepark Grant awards funds ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 toward the development of a skate park, Cellini said. Marlboro officials expect to learn whether they will receive any grant funding for the project in December.

Tony Hawk is America's best known professional skateboarder.

In addition to the possible grant from the foundation, the township may receive a matching donation from American Ramp Company (ARC), Cellini said.

ARC is looking into the possibility of designing the skate park for Marlboro and Cellini said the company is willing to match any funds that may be received from the Tony Hawk Foundation.

Members of the MSP will be making their own efforts to try and raise money for the skate park. Cellini said one possible fundraiser would have club members provide skateboard lessons to younger skaters.

MSP welcomes additional members. Any youth who wants to be a part of the effort to bring a skate park to Marlboro may contact Liz Cellini at 732-617-0100.