Local Politics
  1. Home
  2. US
  3. New Hampshire
  4. Concord
  5. Issues

Concord Skate Park

At a glance

  • What: Construction of Skate Park at Kiwanis Park. Community-led fundraising effort by Concord Skate Park Association. Total goal: $500,000. As of June 8, 2026: approximately $26,000 raised. City resolution accepts $10,000 donation from Association; appropriates same amount to subproject.
  • Where it stands: Donation accepted and appropriated June 8, 2026, by vote 2/3 majority. Fundraising ongoing through sponsorships, community events, GoFundMe, and NH Gives.
  • Next: Association continuing fundraising efforts. Broader discussion planned later in 2026 regarding future plans and initiatives. Participation in NH Gives expected to further support efforts.

The project

Construction of skateboard park facility at Kiwanis Park. Community association leading fundraising effort to fund construction.

Funding goal: $500,000

Funds raised (as of June 8, 2026): Approximately $26,000

Funding sources:

  • 100% from sponsorships and fundraising efforts
  • Direct donations through Parks and Recreation Department
  • GoFundMe campaign (accessible through website concordskatepark.com)
  • New Hampshire Gives (online donation platform)

Contingency concern: Resident raised prior statement from meetings that if organization does not raise full $500,000 goal, all donated funds would be returned and no City funds would be used. Questioned how consultant costs would be paid if fundraising goal not met and donations returned (whether City would cover consultant expense).

City support and public comment (June 8, 2026)

Presentation: Chris Harrington, President of Concord Skate Park Association, and Arthur Anderson, member, presented $10,000 check. Provided progress update; noted ~$26,000 raised to date; expressed appreciation for City support; indicated look forward to broader discussion later 2026 on future plans/initiatives; noted participation in NH Gives.

Support: James Dockham, resident, expressed support for Association, commending community-led fundraising and positive recreational opportunities for residents. Encouraged City to reconsider support level.

Concerns: Roy Schweiker, resident, questioned funding contingency: City accepted prior $10,000 donation and authorized $10,000 consultant expenditure; asked how consultant costs would be paid if full goal not met and donations returned; whether City would cover expense under those circumstances.

Council questions: Council asked about main funding avenue (sponsorships/fundraising); best way to donate.

City Council vote (June 8, 2026, Item 23)

Motion: Councilor Fennessy moved approval; Councilor Grady Sexton seconded.

Fennessy: Acknowledged significant fundraising goal; appreciated group's work; noted larger contributions raise awareness; participation in NH Gives may further support efforts.

Grady Sexton: Confirmed both donations received (LeBrun).

Councilor Todd: Encouraged continued efforts despite difficulty of goal. Referenced past City projects where public fundraising fell short and City ultimately provided funding. Expressed support for ongoing efforts; offered appreciation; wished group success with NH Gives.

Result: Passed by required 2/3 majority.

Sources

Log

2026-06-08 - City Council

Concord Skate Park Association presented $10,000 donation; approximately $26,000 raised of $500,000 goal. Fundraising through sponsorships, community events, GoFundMe (concordskatepark.com), NH Gives. Harrington (President) and Arthur Anderson presented; expressed appreciation for City support and announced broader discussion planned later 2026. Resident Schweiker raised concerns about consultant cost contingency if full fundraising goal not met. Resident Dockham expressed support. Council vote passed 2/3 majority (Fennessy motion, Grady Sexton second). Todd noted past City projects where public fundraising fell short and City ultimately provided funding.