LEOMINSTER, Mass (WBZ NewsRadio) — A planned skatepark project in Leominster has received a donation from Tony Hawk's foundation.
The Frankie Fortuna Memorial Skatepark is being renovated by the town in memory of Frankie Fortuna, a Leominster skater that was killed by a hit-and-run driver in 2015 at age 19.
"After his passing we decided to start raising money with the goal of restoring this park in his honor," Frankie's family said in a statement about the project.
In addition to other funds from the state, town and donors, Tony Hawk's foundation The Skatepark Project is also chipping in $10,000 towards the park's fundraising effort. The total cost of the project should be around $500,000.
Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella said the skatepark should be finished by the fall in an interview with WBZ NewsRadio.
The skatepark will be expanded and right now, it's "dated, and it needs a complete makeover," Mazzarella said. He said the existing skatepark still gets a lot of use even though its outdated.
Skatepark architectural firm Spohn Ranch is designing the park.
"What amazes me, something unique about skateboarders, they can fall, bust a finger or an arm, get right back on that board, and keep going. It's something remarkable about it," said Mazzarella.
WBZ's Weekday Afternoon News Anchor Ben Parker (@radiobenparker) interviewed Mayor Dean Mazzarella of Leominster:
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