At least five skateboarders and one BMX bike rider had only good words to say on Monday about the new public park being built on East Main Street in Amsterdam. Some were city residents, others said they were from Broadalbin and Gloversville. All were utilizing the various skateboard ramps and platforms installed recently, practicing various jumps and stunts.
The first stage of construction was completed in June with the addition of a basketball court. The skateboarding section was added next, and most recently, a kids jungle gym complete with slides and tunnels was installed last week. As of Monday, the jungle gym was not usable, as the ground surface around the equipment has yet to be completed.
At last week’s common council meeting, Fifth Ward Alderman Jim Martuscello said that the Recreation Department was working with TGW Consulting, a grant writing firm under contract with the city, to submit a grant request for $150,000 to build a kid’s splash park at the site.
The park is being built with both city funds and donations of time and materials from local businesses.
