Dropout Skateboard Co.

Rebuild Henniker Skatepark

On October 11, the town of Henniker decided to take away the skatepark. The skaters were given no warning and had no previous knowledge of this happening. Kids just showed up expecting to skate, and came to see a large asphault pad with nothing other than a dozen other dissapointed skaters and a single quarter pipe.

When the town was asked about it, they told us that the ramps were not being properly maintained, and were no longer safe. This was true about the funbox, however, the deterioration could easily have been fixed. The day before the demolition, there was no visible damage to the bank ramp, which was also destroyed. So as the Henniker skatepark sits now, there is nothing but a quarterpipe with a surplius of run-in space. Skaters have to push across the pavement, which is more tiring and boring than starting on the bank ramp.

The skatepark was also a memorial for Jeff Clement, who, as a senior project, raised the funds for the skatepark and worked hard for it's approval and construction. Unfortunately, Jeff died a few years ago in a tragic snowboarding accident. Also, delicately spray-painted on the bank was the name "Pat", a tribute to Pat Higgins, an avid skateboarder who also lost his life. How can the town take away a memorial for two people? Quite easily, it seems. Legally? No. This means that under legal ruling, the town must replace the memorial skatepark.

As skaters of the Jeff Clement Skatepark, the Dropout Skate Team is going to be helping other locals in the fight to replace the skatepark. Within the next few weeks, petitions will be going around, as well as setups and configurations for the new skatepark. Your feedback counts and is greatly appreciated. Please help us get a new skatepark in the town of Henniker.

Written by Matt Buxton

- Pictures of the old Henniker Skatepark -

Old Henniker Skatepark (Prior to October 11)