Friends of Rutland Skatepark

The first question inevitably asked when talking about this project: Where is the skatepark going to be? The short answer is, we don’t know. When selecting a skatepark location, maybe factors must be considered: accessibility, space, level ground, drainage, shade, etc. It’s part of the reason this process has taken so long. The initial location for the skatepark was this pile of dirt (pictured above.) It’s located in the lower section of Giorgetti park, just feet away from the former home of Flipside skatepark. But after due diligence, being located in a floodplain crossed it off the list. Another possible…

It’s crazy how quickly this project has gained steam, and it definitely helped that others have been pushing for it for years. But, from attending a single board meeting at the beginning of July, it feels like we have made real progress towards making the skatepark a reality. I have been overwhelmed by the positive responses as I talk to anyone and everyone about what we’re trying to do and it seems everyone agrees: RUTLAND NEEDS THIS! Of course, it will not be a fast process and there is much work to be done. Realistically, building the park we want…

For over 20 years, kids and kids at heart enjoyed having a destination skatepark in Rutland. Formerly known as Zero Gravity and more recently Flipside, the thousands of square feet of ever-changing ramps and rails gave people something to do, and a safe place to go each summer. Of course, it was not without its drawbacks. The wood ramps needed regular repair and since it was housed inside Giorgetti park, it had to be disassembled each winter in time for hockey. Because of its indoor location, the park needed to be staffed when open and cost money to use. These…