By Greg Ellison

(Feb. 3, 2022) Plans to develop a skate park are coming into focus after the nonprofit “We Heart Berlin” announced last week that a feasibility study is in the works.

The organization’s CEO, Tony Weeg, said the study would be conducted through the Business Economic and Community Development Outreach Network (BEACON) at Salisbury University.

Operated by the Franklin P. Purdue School of Business, BEACON provides applied business and economic research for targeted outreach programs.

“I’m hoping the report from BEACON will be the linchpin to determine where and how we will break ground,” he said.

Weeg said the study should provide the data needed to determine an ideal skate park location, estimated construction costs, build-out timelines, maintenance needs, anticipated usage, potential impacts and possible funding sources.

“We would like to see it at Henry Park,” he said. “The area would be more ideal to pursue grants because it’s an underserved area.”

Weeg said, ideally, the skate park project would be one element of a larger push to bring new attractions and businesses to the Flower Street region.

We Heart Berlin board members also held a conference call last week with the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore to investigate potential sources of funding.

“I’m really excited that the Community Foundation has taken notice [of] how effectively we get projects completed,” he said.

The developing partnership should open up a pathway to solicit funding for future initiatives.

We Heart Berlin CEO Tony Weeg

“Community involvement is crucial for everything we’re doing,” he said.

How much time it will take to complete the feasibility study is unknown.

Weeg expressed gratitude to Mayor Zack Tyndall and Town Council members for voicing support for the skate park proposal.

“You guys rock,” he said.

Weeg said a suggestion from We Heart Berlin board member Brian Robertson has led to the group’s effort to consider different approaches to promoting town park facilities.

“Each one has a slightly different angle,” he said.

Weeg stressed the importance of engaging residents with the nonprofits’ grassroots efforts.

“It’s sort of beautiful to watch things fall in place and watch people come together to make this happen,” he said. “This is grassroots and community supported, and therein lay the most meaningful projects.”