Portsmouth to close skatepark temporarily

PORTSMOUTH — City officials have announced the temporary closure next week of its popular skatepark off Route 33 .

The park will be closed from Monday, Aug. 12 through Thursday, Aug. 15 “to allow the contractor to complete a punch list of necessary final details for the project,” according to a city press release.

The skatepark will re-open Friday, Aug. 16.

The lights at the skatepark will not function during the four-day closure next week, city officials said.

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Access to the Seacoast Greenway Trailhead will remain open.

The closure is needed to allow “for appropriate drying times for caulking and painting” at the skatepark, according to the press release, and to ensure “the public’s safety during construction-based activities.”

Workers also plan to install additional drainage to avoid ponding issues that have developed during heavy rainstorms, city officials said.

“This work must be completed while weather conditions allow and in a timely manner to wrap up the construction contract within the city’s budget timeline,” said Todd Henley, Portsmouth's recreation director. “We look forward to many more prime hours of skating at the region’s best skatepark for all ages, in the weeks, months and years to come.”

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth to close skatepark temporarily