Laurel Skate Complex repairs stalled

WINSTED — Due to costly repairs and much needed labor, the popular Laurel Skate Complex will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

In an interview with The Winsted Journal, Recreation Director Joe Nichols acknowledged the process has been stalled.

"It is definitely moving slower than I would like," Nichols said.

Repairs to fix potholes in the ramps, solidify surfaces and attend to other damage caused mostly from weathering and usage have been ongoing at the skate park. A major obstacle is that in order to make some of these repairs, a welding machine is necessary. Unfortunately, the town’s welding machine is not working and to hire workers to come in and weld would be costly.

"Right now we are looking at a total cost of anywhere between $8,000 and $10,000," said Nichols. He said volunteers are desperately needed to help move the process along. "We would be so grateful if some people could step up and help us with the welding and the other things."

When asked if there is an expected finish date, Nichols said, "The best I can tell you is that we are working on it and doing the best we can."

Since the cost of completely renovating the skate park is much too high, the recreation department has had to complete piecemeal repairs constantly since the park opened in April 2002. These small repairs have had to be done often in an effort to keep up with the beating the surfaces take from skateboards. Nichols understands the frustration of those who use the park, many of whom have complained about how long the repairs have been taking.

A meeting was held July 17 at the recreation building for those concerned about the skate complex. As Nichols explained, "It isn’t a matter of picking a date to be finished, it comes down to when we can get help with the cost of labor. With the town’s machine broken, we really need people to step up if they can."