Patrons of the New Castle Skate Park will find more to enjoy next summer.
Last month, city officials approved a $375,000 expansion to the skatepark which will include an All Wheels Welcome Pump Track and an expanded street-style section.
New Castle Parks and Recreation has contracted with Bloomington-based Hunger Skateparks, which designed and installed the original skate park in 2017 within Baker Park on South Main Street.
“With the completion of Phase Two, we are hoping that the New Castle Skate Park will be one of the premier parks in the area,” New Castle Park Superintendent Mike Bergum said. “The expansion will provide more opportunities for everyone.”
The Courier-Times reached out to Christy Wiesenhahn, who co-owns Hunger Skateparks with Bart Smith. Their company focuses on skatepark design and construction, and has done work for clients from across the United States and even in Denmark.
Expanded street section
Wiesenhahn said the expanded street section allows for more room at the entrance and includes an A-frame rail, boxes, China bank and return quarters.
It also gives the existing street area more room, allowing creative interpretation within the lines.
Pump track
“The pump track will be constructed with concrete, making it accessible for all wheels,” Wiesenhahn said. “The design will teach beginner riders (bikes, skateboards, scooters, roller skates/blades) how to pump through rollers, turn and gain speed.”
Intermediate to advanced riders will have advanced jump lines and transfers.
“The pump track especially will be an exciting addition for young and old riders courageous enough to take their first runs. It’s also fun to watch! Parents and grandparents can take their kids to the park and watch them progress and gain confidence over time,” Wiesenhahn said.
Community support
“The New Castle BMX community is one of the biggest in the state, thanks to your local shop Poynter Brothers,” Wiesenhahn said. “They plan on providing continued programming like lessons and events to encourage new park users and hype up the talent represented in the community.”
Wiesenhahn said New Castle skaters can look forward to more features, more space and better overall flow.
Health benefits
Wiesenhahn also suggested a “deep mental health component” linked to skateboarding, biking and skating.
“Many riders often talk about these places being their medicine, and their practice linked to their ongoing mental health,” Wiesenhahn said. “At a time in history where many of us are experiencing depression, these spaces represent an indispensable tool for individual happiness and social connections to community and culture.”
Future growth
Bergum is excited about the expansion and what it means for the city.
“The expansion of the skate park will add to and enhance the existing facility. The expansion will also allow us to put the finishing touches on the entire project,” Bergum said.
“This project will be another example of how the City of New Castle and Parks Department is responsive to the growing needs of the overall community,” Wiesenhahn said.
Bergum sees the skatepark expansion as an integral part of broader plans to provide recreational amenities to New Castle residents.
“This is just one of the projects that is underway in the Parks and Recreation Department. This spring and summer should provide for some amazing additions to our community!” he said.