Cranford Asks Town Officials 'Why Hillside Avenue?'

Plans for the proposed skate park on Hillside Avenue are taking shape even as debate over its location and existence heat up.

At the township committee meeting on Monday, residents brought up their concerns regarding the skate park to Cranford’s elected officials. The township committee addressed residents’ misgivings and clarified some aspects of the project.

Karen Adamson of Hillside Avenue was worried about traffic and the safety of Hillside Avenue School students. Adamson, who is in favor of a skate park in Cranford but not on Hillside Avenue, claimed the avenue already has a problem with people parking along the narrow road next to the school, and that the problem will be exacerbated with the addition of a skate park. She wanted to know why the triangular, 10,000 square foot lot behind the tennis courts was chosen over other debated areas.

Mayor Robinson outlined why the Hillside Avenue area was the most suitable site for the skate park, beating out lots on Adams Avenue, behind the Orange Avenue pool, in front of the Centennial Avenue pool, and by the conservation center (a location Adamson noted as “perfect” for a skate park). Among his reasons are the relative dearth of houses, the fact the area is already set up with electricity, and that the irregular shape of the area may preclude it from other uses.

Though the mayor stated early and often that the skate park is in the beginning stages of planning, the committee has a comprehensive plan on oversight and supervision at the park.

One of the ideas is for seasonal registration; parents would register their children for a set period of months and the kids would get a sticker to wear on their helmets. The park would be restricted to skaters under 16 years of age, would be fenced, would not be open at night or during school hours, and safety equipment would be required to use the park.

The supervision aspect is less defined.

According to Robinson’s conversation with the mayor of Linden—who built, then closed a $250,000 skate park in his town—insurance would be cheaper with a “skate at your own risk” policy. Having adult supervision would assume more risk for the township, and the insurance premiums would increase accordingly.

Hillside Avenue resident Jerry Grady’s main concern was insurance. Grady is not in favor of a skate park at all, claiming “there is no way to guard against a lawsuit 100 percent.” He expressed doubt that skaters would always use proper safety equipment and use the park properly. He claimed that if there was no supervision there would be no way to enforce park rules.

The committee conceded that adult oversight might be necessary but was confident that insurance would cover most, if not all, lawsuits.

Jim Geltzin of South Union Avenue was next, championing the skate park. His suggestion of installing surveillance cameras was greeted with enthusiasm. He cited the success of the skate park in Clark and urged those in attendance to “be optimistic. It’s about the children.”

Hillside Avenue School student Ray Martin, also of South Union Avenue, noted that the skate park has generated plenty of buzz around the school.

“The kids are excited,” he said. “Nobody will damage it because they want to use it.”

Martin claimed that because there would be fewer skateboarders downtown, there would be less property damage.

Robinson thought that Cranford’s skate park would probably cost less than Linden’s, but was quick to stress that “this is not going to be on the taxpayers’ dollar.”

The Cranford Skate Park Association, the group in charge of building and paying for the park, will host an expo and information session on Oct. 11 at the site. Visitors will be able to ask questions, express concerns, learn more about the project, and see a skating demonstration.