The Barrington Park and Recreation Commission members discussed the possible construction of a new skateboard park in town during their meeting late last month.

Officials are considering applying for a Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management grant to build a new skateboard park at Haines Park. 

There were some questions, however. A member of the Commission said he hardly ever sees kids skateboarding in town. In addition, Barrington already has a rarely-used skate park on Legion Way. 

Barrington resident Tom Claussen spoke in favor of a new skate park. He said the reason few skateboarders use the Legion Way park is because there is not enough equipment and there is no shade. 

It’s not a fun place to go, Claussen said. 

The Barrington resident said there is not much else for kids to do in town or places for them to hang out. He said a new skateboard park, similar to the K-Rob skate park in East Providence, would be well-used. 

Commission members discussed whether lights would be installed at the new skateboard park and how much that would cost.

Cat Horn, a member of the Commission, warned that spending too much money on lights would force park planners to cut back on skateboarding equipment and could result in another “rinky dink” park.

After first making a motion to forward the skate park plan, Commission member Tom Rimoshytus withdrew the motion. 

Commission Chairman Mike Seward said the item would be added to the October meeting agenda. That meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. inside the Barrington Senior Center.