Skate park on the way in Valley Stream

Valley Stream officials are planning to create a skate park using the existing hockey rink on Sunrise Highway by purchasing portable equipment.

Andrew Hackmack/Herald

Valley Stream village officials plan to approve a local skate park, to be built at the Sunrise Highway hockey rink, at an upcoming meeting, said Mayor Ed Fare.

Fare said he has been working on plans for a skate park since he took office in April. It was announced at the June village board meeting, as well as at a recent Chamber of Commerce meeting, that the park’s design is close to being finalized.

The plan is to install temporary equipment, including half-pipes and pipes, at 13 Station Plaza, which is currently used by the South Shore Roller Hockey League. The equipment would be portable, so skateboarders and hockey players could share the venue, Fare explained. “I anticipate it will go well,” he said.

David Sabatino, president of the local public interest organization Envision Valley Stream, touted the benefits of the planned park, but sees more room for the idea to grow. “I think the portable and temporary skate park equipment is a great first step,” Sabatino said. “It will begin to show more of our community the value of providing a permanent space, then together we can move forward and plan something even better.”

Local skaters will appreciate the site because of its central location, Sabatino said. He added that rules should be posted at the park, and that skaters can self-police and manage the area.

Skateboarder Peter Costanzo, 16, who will be a junior at Valley Stream South High School in September, said he was thrilled. “I am so happy, finally,” Costanzo said. “I love skating.”

Valley Stream resident and skateboarder Andrew Trager, 21, said the move is a step in the right direction, but that portable obstacles are extremely limited, and not the most enjoyable to use. Trager also said that the only rules should prohibit damage and vandalism, and that a permanent facility should still be built. “I strongly feel as if skateboarders deserve a permanent place where a park can be made,” he said, “because just like baseball and football, it’s a sport that needs a place to be conducted.”