A mainstream sport with no facilities in town 

By Linda Chuss

The popularity of skateboarding has been growing for decades as validated by the sport’s debut at the 2020 Summer Olympics. 

People in Milford from ages 5 to 55 enjoy skateboarding, but there is nowhere in town to ride that has the ramps and obstacles fundamental for performing maneuvers. 

“Without a park, skateboarders are using some locations that aren’t designed for it, which can be harmful to riders and the places they skate at,” said Lisa Trusas, who is a member of the committee planning to make a park in Milford. “Or they have to travel to other towns, and not everyone has the means to do that.

“We have hundreds of skateboarders in town, and the park could be used with scooters, inline skates, and BMX bikes too. It’s a great physical and recreational sport, of course, and boarders say it relieves stress and improves their mental and emotional well-being. Having a park also provides a social outlet. Especially after COVID, we need places like this.”

While not a skateboarder herself, Trusas is a recovery coach who works in Milford and felt a skatepark was something important the town was missing. She started the “Milford MA Skatepark Project ;” about a year ago. The semicolon at the end of the title symbolizes mental health and emphasizes it as one of the important benefits of the sport, along with its recreational aspects.

The next key step in the project is developing a conceptual design. “We’re fundraising to pay for the design,” said Trusas. “Like our ‘Keep Pushing ; Skate Together for Mental Wellness’ event at Plains Park on May 7, with fees coming from vendors like Joey D’s Wingz ‘n Thingz, Invisible Boards, and The Edge skatepark. We sell shirts and have received funds from donors in town. Our target for the design is $15,000, and we’ll continue seeking sponsors, donors, and grants as we proceed through town approval and construction.”

A group of about 20 committed people work on the project. Linda Johnson, a teacher at Milford High School, is creating the project’s web site. Milford’s Highway Surveyor Scott Crisafulli, and town resident and skateboarder Tom Stearns both participate. Nicole and John Romiglio, who live in town and formerly ran an indoor skatepark, helped produce the shirts. “Some dedicated youths are working with us as well,” Trusas added. 

“We welcome having more people join us, sponsor us, or contribute in other ways. And I am happy to answer questions anyone has.” For more information, contact Trusas at [email protected]m or visit them on Facebook @MilfordMASkateparkProject/