In the true spirit of “Giving Tuesday”, Guillaume de Ramel has announced that the de Ramel Foundation will donate $20,000 toward the creation of a new skatepark here in Newport!
This latest effort to create a skatepark in Newport, RI is the brainchild of Rogers High School senior, Tim Boucher. Boucher has grabbed the reigns and is driving the effort as his high school senior project.
According to Boucher (and just about everyone else who has ever seen it) the existing skate park at Easton’s Beach “suffers from major design flaws, and has become unsafe due to disrepair and is in need of a complete reconstruction. There is a huge demand for public areas for skateboarding, and the space given is not being utilized due to these issues.”
Boucher’s boss at Island Surf & Sport, Cheyne Cousens, is serving as mentor and is helping spearhead the effort.
“With the local success of Island Surf & Sport, Elemental and Water Brothers keeping the youth of Aquidneck Island active on boards, be it on the surf or on land, and a long-standing community interest in reviving a topnotch skatepark on the island, I am happy to support this effort that will greatly benefit the youth of Aquidneck Island.” said de Ramel. “Long gone are the days when skaters had to jump fences and sneak into parks after dark to find the best surfaces. Skateboarding is now an Olympic sport and it is my hope that we can create a world class park for our local youth. After a festive weekend with friends and family, today is “Giving Tuesday” and with these initial funds and support from the City of Newport, this dream may be realized soon!”
Hopefully the de Ramel Foundation’s gift will inspire others to be leaders in the community to support local initiatives for our youth.
