TURNERS FALLS — The Unity Skatepark was busy Wednesday night with the first night skate of the summer.
About 50 skaters of all ages came out for the event that was hosted by the Montague Parks and Recreation Department. It included a barbecue, with hot dogs and hamburgers donated by Hubie’s Tavern.
Participants were able to skate once it got dark, with portable lighting equipment borrowed from the Franklin County Sheriff’s office.
Jon Dobosz, the director of the Parks and Recreation Department, said that it is the first of what should be three summer skate nights. The next is scheduled for July 29. The events are free and open to the public.
The night skates are a way to show off all that the skate park has to offer while having something that’s unique and do something that’s not available normally, Dobosz said. It was also held in conjunction with the International Association of Skateboard Companies “Go Skateboarding Day.”
The night skates, with lighting, add diversity to the park and what the skaters can do there.
Chris Janke, who brought his two children to the skate night, said that the family had been proponents of the park for a long time. His daughter, Theo, doing loops on her bike, also said she loved the park.
“We’re really grateful that it’s here and very appreciate of the people who made it possible,” he said.
The event ran from 6 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday. For more information on events, check the Montague Parks & Recreation Facebook page.
Reach Miranda Davis at
413-772-0261, ext. 280 or mdavis@recorder.com.