Borough sets rules, fees for well-used park
BY JOLENE HART
Staff Writer

SAYREVILLE — Since its opening eight months ago, the borough’s skate park has become a regional destination for skateboarders of all abilities.

On a regular basis, skaters travel from as far as New York City, Philadelphia and all over New Jersey to use the facility, according to Chris Nieratko, co-owner of N.J. Skateshop, Washington Road in Sayreville.

With the arrival of spring weather, the park promises to see even more usage.

"People are having a great time out there," Nieratko said.

A user’s fee and a new set of rules that have been discussed by officials since the park’s opening were approved by the Borough Council on Monday and will take effect immediately. Under the new ordinance, skaters who reside in the borough will pay $60 for a yearly recreation pass, or $5 per day to use the facility.

For nonresidents, an annual pass will cost $120 and a daily pass will be $10.

The new rules will come with a grace period, according to Borough Business Administrator Jeff Bertrand, so that park users can have time to apply for the recreation pass.

The fee — marking the first-time boarders will have to pay to use the park — is reasonable, perhaps even a bargain compared to other skate parks, according to Nieratko. When skateboarders go to an indoor park, they can expect to pay $10 for only a few hours of usage, he said.

To pay $5 a day or $60 a year in return for the proper up-keep of the park, borough-sponsored programs and the services of a park attendant is a great idea, Nieratko said.

"Some parents of the younger children want their kids bubble-wrapped," said Nieratko. "This is a great way to look out for the kids’ safety."

A required picture identification card can be obtained at the borough’s recreation building on Dolan Street, where an application must be completed and a picture taken.

Some of the funds collected from the skate park user fee will offset the salaries of the five park attendants who are now employed at the park. The attendants are present from 3 to 11 p.m. on school days, Bertrand said, and from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends and throughout the summer. Skaters are still permitted to use the facility when they are not present.

The skate park, which has hosted several well-attended demonstrations from professional skateboarders, featured a demonstration from Edison-bred skater Mike Vallely over the weekend.