MIDDLEBURY — The town of Middlebury is partnering with New Line Skateparks and the Middlebury Skatepark Project (MSP) to design a new mixed-use public skatepark, the entities announced this week. This collaborative effort aims to create an inclusive, thoughtfully designed space that reflects the needs and spirit of the community.

The design phase will begin with a crucial public input meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Middlebury Town Offices. This is an opportunity to learn more about the project, share ideas through group discussions and interactive design exercises, and demonstrate public support of the skatepark.

“We are excited that we are one step closer to delivering a free to use skatepark in Middlebury,” said Ethan Murphy, president of the Middlebury Skatepark Project. “We are incredibly proud of MSP’s all-volunteer team for reaching this major milestone that is the culmination of four years of dedicated work fueled by broad community support.”

According to Murphy, New Line Skateparks is a great skatepark design/build firm with showcase skateparks all over the country and the world. It was selected from a competitive pool of applicants for its innovative approach to skatepark design. New Line’s proposal stood out for its ability to integrate a wide variety of features that appeal to all skill levels while also emphasizing aesthetic quality and harmony with the surrounding environment.

The town was particularly impressed by New Line’s creative vision and its commitment to both functionality and design. The work promises a space that is not only exciting for skaters but also inviting and beautiful for the entire community.

The Aug. 6 meeting will be hosted by Chris Long from New Line, a skatepark designer with a background in civil engineering and nine years of experience working on skatepark projects across the country. Attendees will have the chance to share their ideas, ask questions, and contribute to shaping a facility that meets the needs and aspirations of Middlebury’s wheeled sports community.

For those unable to attend, an online survey will be available for two weeks following the event. This feedback is an important part of the concept design phase and will help guide the design directions developed by the skatepark design team.

The Middlebury Skatepark Project contributed nearly 90% of the cost of the design contract with New Line, with the remainder coming from the Middlebury Parks & Recreation budget for skatepark expenses. MSP’s contribution comes thanks to three years of fundraising efforts, and it includes: an $8,000 grant from the Vermont Community Foundation; a $5,000 allocation from the town of Cornwall’s ARPA funds; a $2,500 Peasant Market grant from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church; $500 from the Congregational Church of Middlebury; $500 from the Rotary Club of Middlebury’s golf tournament fund; and a multitude of individual and business donations.

For information on skatepark fundraising efforts, events and outreach, follow Middlebury Skatepark Project on Facebook or Instagram (@middleburyskateparkproject). Visit middleburyskatepark.com to sign up for the monthly email newsletter, or email [email protected].