Dauphin County Commissioners, Steelton Borough officials break ground on Phase II of county's first skateboard park

STEELTON, PA (August 21, 2020) – Dauphin County Commissioners Jeff Haste, Mike Pries and George P. Hartwick, III and Steelton Borough leaders were joined by Congressman Scott Perry (PA – 10), skateboarders and community members in breaking ground on Phase II of the county’s first skateboard park.

Located in Steelton Borough’s Municipal Park, this 28,000-square-foot facility, designed by skaters, has provided opportunities for recreation and competition since it opened in late 2017.

Haste praised Steelton Borough leaders for taking on this project, calling it a regional attraction that draws skaters from across the country.

“On any given weekend, there’s easily 100 or more people of all ages and backgrounds enjoying the park and cheering each other on,” said Haste. “The new features will only grow the park’s popularity and make it more of a draw.”

Phase II of the park includes an additional 8,000 square feet of space that is specifically designed for intermediate and advanced skaters, including street and bowl components with heights reaching 8 feet. The expansion also includes additional parking and stormwater management improvements.

One of the competitive skateboarders who helped design the park was Haste’s son, Andrew, a graduate of Central Dauphin High School, who also used the drawings in his engineering class. Haste said he has traveled to about 20 different parks and sees the Steelton project as on par with the best.

“We’re excited to build upon this great partnership with Steelton and expand the skate park this year,” said Pries. “You can see the positive changes brought about by this project and the heart of this close-knit community.”

The commissioners awarded a total of $120,000 in gaming grant funds for the $200,000 expansion. Steelton Borough provided $80,000 toward the project.

“The skateboard park complements ongoing county revitalization efforts in the borough, including the redevelopment of vacant buildings and land in the North Front Street corridor into the Steel Works mixed-use development,” said Hartwick, who previously served as Steelton’s mayor. “Together, these efforts are the catalyst for creating jobs, broadening the tax base and improving quality of life.”

Phase II of the park is expected to be completed in November of this year.