A local push to light up the city skatepark may soon come to fruition, according to City Manager John Mauro.

The city skatepark currently has no lighting.

“We’re on track to shine some light on the skatepark,” Mauro said in an email. “Carrie Hite and Michael Todd are working hard to apply for a Resource and Conservation Office (RCO) grant for the skatepark lights.”

Mauro added that the Jefferson Community Foundation (JCF) had made a $5,000 commitment that was matched by another $5,000 from community members, after those same community members had already pledged an initial $5,000, which Mauro said was “all part of the inspiring GoFundMe campaign led by Samantha Stromberg.”

Stromberg graduated from Port Townsend High School last year. During her senior year, she recognized a need for skatepark lighting and started a GoFundMe campaign as part of her senior project.

“The fall and winter months can get quite dreary and dark,” Stromberg wrote on her GoFundMe page. “It becomes a challenge to use the skatepark especially for those in school or with 9-5 jobs. Unlike in the summer where you can skate 'til 8 to 9 p.m., it’s dark as early as 4 p.m. Speaking from personal experience it’s very frustrating and can take a mental toll not being able to practice the sport you love for half of the year. The solution I thought of was seeking lighting for the skatepark. I initially proposed my idea to the city council which then turned into my senior project.”

“We’ve teamed with SOL, a solar powered lighting company,” Stromberg continued, “which fits the needs of preserving our Victorian town by making sure the look of the polls will match existing light polls around town. The lights will be on a timer so for those worried about excess lighting and maintaining a dark skies city this should help. And not to mention it’s solar so an environmentally friendly option.”

Stromberg is in Puerto Rico and unavailable for comment by press time.

According to Stromberg’s GoFundMe page, donations have reached nearly $8,500 with $15,000 listed as the funding goal.

“Carrie Hite and Michael Todd have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to catalyze success and bring it all together,” Mauro said.

Hite said a pre-application has been submitted. 

“We will not submit a full application unless invited next month. If we complete the full application, it is due in June, and we will hear in October,” Hite said. “The application is for solar lights, so skaters can use the park in the fall/winter/spring months. There will be a way that the lights will turn off while not in use.”