“06880” intern Katherine Phelps writes:
Tucked near the basketball courts at Compo Beach sits a park that for years has served as a haven for Westport’s skaters.
But today, cracks are showing — literally and figuratively.
Wooden ramps are rotting. Nails come loose. And while the energy of the local skate community remains strong, the park itself struggles to keep up.
Skate park ramp …
Seamus Brannigan, a Staples High School junior, has enjoyed skating for years. Yet he recognizes the park’s issues.
“It’s gotten to a point where it is barely skateable,” he says. “The wooden ramps are falling apart, and the whole park needs to be replaced.”
For Brannigan and many others, skating is more than a sport. He also feels part of a strong group.
That sense of camaraderie might now be in danger.
“I love skating because it’s a place and a community where I can meet people with interests like mine. It’s a place where all people are welcome,” Brannigan says.
His solution: “a full concrete park like the one in Norwalk. It would last for decades.”
… and a wider view. (Photos/Katherine Phelps)
The idea of rebuilding the Compo skate park is not new. There’s already some funding in the Parks & Recreation Department budget for repairs. It’s about $10,000 annually, which does not stretch far.
Jesse Bauks, an English teacher at Staples and longtime advisor to the school’s Skate Club, has seen the park’s decline first hand. He too believes it’s time for a change.
“The skate park is falling apart — rotten wood, loose screws and nails — really just due to age and exposure to the elements,” Bauks says.
“There is a group of pickleball folks looking to expand their space, and the current location of the skate park makes for a good place for that to happen. So the future of this space as a skate park seems to be up in the air.”
Last year, Parks & Rec removed and rebuilt one of the large ramps with help from parks supervisor Mike West, thanks in part to $1,200 from student-led fundraisers.
However, Bauks says a more significant investment is necessary.
“To really rebuild the park — like they did in Norwalk — could cost anywhere from $250,000 to $1 million, depending on whether it’s done in wood or poured concrete,” he explains.
The Compo Beach skate park, in 2021.
Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri, who started in March, is aware of the skate park’s condition. He is open to conversations about its future.
While still settling into his role, Barbieri has already earned a reputation for listening, and understanding the importance of youth spaces.
While nothing definitive is yet planned, skaters are taking initiative by organizing, raising awareness, and pushing for change.
“A concrete park could serve Westport’s youth for decades,” Brannigan says.
“This is more than just a park — it’s our community.”
(“06880” covers issues of concern to Westporters of all ages. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Our skaters and our staffers thank you!)
(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
Thanks @Katherine, for bringing attention to this. We love the skate park — our 3 kids are still little, but they always have a great time there. It’s such a fun and safe space where kids can build confidence, learn patience, and stay active. It also brings families and kids together and helps create a strong community feeling. Would be wonderful to see it taken care of, we would happily support any initiatives!
Thank you for bringing this up and contributing to the conversation! I have a 12 year old who asks to go to the skate park on his own or with friends many days a week. It is really a lovely spot to see kids (and adults!) of all ages gathering in a positive and active way.
Dan, as you know, I had been advocating for this for more than a decade starting back during my many years on the P&R Commission. It has been an eyesore for many years and has been dangerous on and off for some time. I guess we’ve been left to hope that one of Westport’s many wealthy citizens has a kid who falls in love with skateboarding. But in reality this could have been done long ago. Put it on the P&R capital list like field lighting and synthetic turf. Ask the skating community to do an aspirational fundraiser. Build it and they will come – the community will grow and parents will have a safe space for many kids to hang out. A new Park can be aesthetically pleasing for all. See some examples here: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=6a56b0b0bedd11b7&rlz=1CAANLP_enUS1053US1053&sxsrf=AE3TifO5Q4jOSJ2xO9q-CzzlVA2UthK8Rg:1748809490818&q=Beautiful+concrete+skate+parks&udm=2&fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZ1Y6MJ25_tmWITc7uy4KIeiAkWG4OlBE2zyCTMjPbGmPgfe_7ak8LUsonpWCvT6w6L2Ypi-psgULtjNt7yJHIOSevkT-1ff7BRkhGCZTKcVymWKU_LNFNx5g-mzAIVzNIHMY5Z08SF3VF3iazvpNIzHDjd8kfxCAAEoEW09pFVrakTrqs0_yUn6oRFM166MrBvKt6Tg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjBseuDh9GNAxVCMtAFHX09A-AQtKgLegQIFxAB&biw=1396&bih=719&dpr=1.38#vhid=VmRTdSoluoaUsM&vssid=mosaic
Yes! Thanks for bringing this up. A concrete skatepark will be an amazing solution. In addition to solving the current safety and maintenance issues from the ramps falling apart, there are other benefits. A key advantage would be a bowl/park layout suitable for those riding surf-skates. I’m sure this is low priority for the P&R projects, but it will be a shame if Westport loses the skate park. Not every kid is into team/traditional sports — the skate park needs to stay.
Thanks for bringing this up! If anyone has an opportunity to visit the Norwalk Calf Pasture Beach skate park, you will see a vibrant and engaged skating community. It’s a premiere facility thoughtfully designed for the present and future.