Lori Rinkel at Greenside Skatepark.

The Island Park Recreation Association (IPRA) held its first "Kids Skate for Free Day" at the Greenside Skatepark in Middletown this morning, and 22 kids showed up and spent three hours carving the ramps and bowl of the recently opened course. Organizer Lori Rinkel said she was pleased with the turnout, and called the event a success.

In addition to the skating, Rinkel held a raffle for equipment, clothing, and stickers, and provided skateboards and helmets for kids who needed them.

The entire event was free of charge for all skaters living in Island Park, paid for out of donations made over the past two years into the skate park fund.

[Update: Adding disclosure]
Full disclosure: Since we live in Island Park, Jack was one of the kids who got to skate for free, as well as receiving a skateboard and helmet. This was the same benefit given to an entire class — all kids in Island Park — but I wanted to clearly disclose.