According to McWilliams, the absence of a designated skatepark often leads skateboarders to use streets, sidewalks and other public spaces. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf there wasn\u2019t snow<\/a> on the ground, you\u2019d probably hear kids skating down the street right now,\u201d McWilliams said.<\/p>\n He emphasized that skateboarding serves a wide range of residents, describing it as a multi-generational and inclusive activity that provides both physical exercise and mental health benefits.<\/p>\n The proposal is for an approximate 8,000 square-foot custom designed park at 507 Lehigh Drive<\/a>. The design was developed by 5th Pocket Skateparks<\/a>.<\/p>\n McWilliams noted that the layout was designed to fit the site while preserving open and green space for potential future uses.<\/p>\n The project team has been working in coordination with Mayor Sal Panto Jr., the public works department, the Greater Easton Development Partnership<\/a>, and grant writers exploring state funding opportunities.<\/p>\n The site on Lehigh Drive is owned by the Greater Easton Development Partnership, according to GEDP Executive Director Jared Mast. The property was acquired in connection with The Crayola Experience<\/a> and is currently a gravel lot used for bus parking and storing excess snow. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not the best use. It\u2019s kind of a forgotten lot,\u201d Mast said. <\/p>\n McWilliams reported that approximately $14,000 has been raised so far through community events and local business support. This includes a skate social held at Tucker Garage that drew about 320 attendees and raised $5,000 in one day, with additional events expected to increase that total.<\/p>\n Timmy Dodge, a lifelong Easton resident, has also been involved in the skatepark project through fundraising and event coordination. Dodge has worked with numerous local businesses to organize fundraisers during major city events such as Bacon Fest<\/a> and Garlic Fest<\/a>, contributing to what organizers describe as broad community engagement.<\/p>\n Dodge helped organize the skate social, which was supported by more than 15 local business sponsors. <\/p>\n \u201cWhen we bring up the Easton skatepark project to anybody, businesses, or just in the community itself, it\u2019s always met with a resounding yes. \u2018How can we get involved? How can we support this?\u2019\u201d Dodge said. <\/p>\n Mast explained that, at the urging of Panto and Councilman Frank Pintabone, GEDP began exploring alternative uses for the property, including the skatepark. <\/p>\n![\"507](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/YLBK2WY6LRCETL2KG2B5SFQ5IE.png\")
A rendering of a skate park project proposed for 507 Lehigh Drive, which is currently a gravel lot.Courtesy of 5th Pocket Skateparks<\/p>\n