The Fairfield Skate Park, or Jennings Skate Park, is a staple of the Fairfield beach area that has gone through many transformations. As a Fairfield resident and inline skater, this was the place to go for me everyday after school in middle school.
The skate park started behind Ludlowe High School, but was eventually sacrificed in order for new tennis courts and more parking at the school.
Its next location was moved to where it lies currently, near the beach with mostly wooden ramps. It was still well used even at its new location. The beach scenery was good for the skaters but the park itself was thought to be an eyesore by some people in the town.
This new park slowly went into disrepair after people began to focus more and more on skating in the streets. The reason for people leaving was the increase in the price of admittance. The skate park was then owned by the YMCA and a skater would have to pay 9 dollars each time they went to ride there.
When the price increased, many people began to go less and less to the skate park. There were times when some people started returning when the park managers would allow kids in without paying.
The whole park then began to get seedier and seedier and was not something that the town was very proud of. Soon it was almost abandoned with almost no one going, and all aspects falling into disrepair. Some of the employees there were known to use drugs and did not treat the park with any respect.
After a while, there was a group of skaters who took action and wrote a petition to get a new skate park built that was free to anyone who wanted to go. After a lengthy process, and battering with town hall they were finally able to get a skate park commissioned.
The old park was completely destroyed and the brand new concrete park that stands there now was built. This new creation was a park that was built by skateboarders, for skateboarders.
The end result was a concrete skate park that showed the town’s commitment to the skaters of the area. The area around the park was cleaned up and finally matched the look of the rest of the town.
The new skate park did not come without its share of new problems. At first it was not patrolled by anyone. However, one new rule was that people at the skatepark had to wear helmets, and unfortunately people were not doing that so police would constantly be called to the skate park to kicks attendants out.
The town saw this as a waste of money and after threatening to close the now brand new skatepark, they decided to hire an employee to make sure that all who went there were wearing their helmets.
Skate park veteran Austin Brodsky said, “I mean the Fairfield skate park is ok. It would be better if either everyone followed the rules and wore a helmet, or the cops and security would just mind their own business. The bowl is gnarly though.”
The skate park was then finished with this rule established. It is a place that people go to sit and relax or test their skills against those of their peers. It attracts many riders of many different ability levels
In the mornings, there are usually parents and younger children that frequent the park. Afternoon is when many of the middle school and high school skaters are dropped off and skate around the park.
The attitude there can be somewhat juvenile at times, but generally tends to be a supportive and fun place to be. It is a fun place whether you are just learning how to skate or are a seasoned pro.
The Jennings Skate Park has undegone a great deal of change to get to the place where it is now. There have been many improvements, and it shows in the quality and attitude now exhibited at the park.
The park is located on South Benson Road right on Fairfield Beach near the Coast Guard Auxiliary. If you are in want of testing your riding skills, or want to have a fun relaxing time outside, give this skate park a try. Always wear a helmet.
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