Waterbury Skatepark hosts grand opening on Sunday

October 24, 2025  |  By Lisa Scagliotti

The new skatepark at Hope Davey Park in Waterbury Center is completed. Photo by Gordon Miller

The Waterbury Skatepark holds its grand opening celebration this Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. at Hope Davey Park. 

Construction on the new skatepark is complete, marking the end of a five-year effort to create a modern skatepark in town. The previous skatepark in the same location – behind the Maple Street fire station and adjacent to the Hope Davey playground – was torn down in October 2023. It had been in use since 2010 and was deteriorating as it had reached the end of its lifespan. 

The volunteer Waterbury Skatepark Coalition – a core group of local organizers and skateboarding enthusiasts – launched an ambitious fundraising effort to support the project to design and build the new park. Their final goal reached recently was $268,000. 

Engraved bricks installed at the park were part of the project fundraising. Photo by Gordon Miller

Work began in early July by Catamount Skateparks from Warren. At 6,000 square feet, the new park is more than twice as large as the original wooden structure. 

The new concrete course is expected to far outlast the previous skatepark. The spot also includes benches and a path with engraved bricks purchased as part of the project fundraiser. The basketball courts on site also have been rebuilt as part of the recent work. 

Waterbury Skatepark Coalition members invite the community to Sunday’s celebration that will include music and refreshments and snacks. Skateboarders, of course, are encouraged to come check out the course if they have not yet paid a visit. A short ribbon-cutting ceremony with remarks by project organizers will take place around 1 p.m.