By Max Oppen TANNERSVILLE—On Saturday, November 23, the Mountain Top Library was alive with enthusiasm as Jasper Kahn of Kahncrete, located in Saugerties, directed a workshop on skatepark construction. The gathering attracted a mixed group of approximately 30 skateboarding fans, both young and mature, all driven by their love for the sport and their determination […]
By Max Oppen
TANNERSVILLE—On Saturday, November 23, the Mountain Top Library was alive with enthusiasm as Jasper Kahn of Kahncrete, located in Saugerties, directed a workshop on skatepark construction. The gathering attracted a mixed group of approximately 30 skateboarding fans, both young and mature, all driven by their love for the sport and their determination to establish a new skatepark at Rip Van Winkle Lake.
The forthcoming skatepark will be named in honor of Daniel Legg, who sadly passed away a few years back. His mother, Cathy Legg, was present at the event and has participated in every fundraising effort.
This workshop is an initiative aiming to replace the original skatepark, which was established in 2007 with Daniel Legg playing a pivotal role, with a contemporary, professional concrete facility that will enhance the $1.3 million redevelopment project on the upper lake currently underway. Kahn utilized his skills and equipment to engage the audience through a PowerPoint presentation and videos detailing the nuances of skatepark construction.
Kahn underscored the importance of such projects within the community, stating, “My fellow industry colleagues at the workshop—Brandon Chrisjohn, Ryan Cardone, and I—have witnessed the profound impact skateparks can have on communities. We are eager to assist the mountaintop community and collaborate to create a world-class skatepark in Tannersville!”
Kahn’s adventure into skatepark construction commenced in 2009 when he collaborated with leading skatepark companies across 25 states and Israel. A decade later, in 2019, he founded his own venture, Kaaterskill Kahncrete. His partner, Sefra, recounted his notable journey: “He began building parks in 2009, partnering with some of the top companies in the field. Ten years later, he established his own concrete business.”
Matt Soranno, a prominent supporter of the Tannersville skatepark initiative, expressed his appreciation for the backing of the community as well as the role of the Mountain Top Library in hosting the event. “We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who participated in the workshop. Your support for the T-Ville skate project’s mission was palpable. We are deeply thankful for the services provided by Jaki [the Mountaintop Library Director] and the entire library team for our community. They were instrumental in making this event happen,” Soranno noted.
Soranno pointed out the event’s success, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere and increasing enthusiasm. “As a group, we take pride in the event. We gained valuable insights into organizing and executing such an affair. The smiles, engaging conversations, and insightful questions confirmed the event’s success and the rising community interest and support. We hope to collaborate with the library again soon for another event—stay updated on Instagram at @tvilleskateproject,” he concluded.
Looking forward, Soranno mentioned that advancements are being made regarding the skatepark project proposal. “Toniann Morabito has been tirelessly overseeing the proposal’s development, which has been submitted to the Village for evaluation, set to be discussed at the upcoming meeting on December 10th,” he stated.
The workshop proved to be a remarkable achievement, illuminating the community’s commitment to establishing a premier skatepark in Tannersville. With ongoing collaboration, creativity, and fervor, the vision of a contemporary skatepark at Rip Van Winkle Lake is more attainable than ever.
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