TIVERTON — Going into its fifth-year of fundraising, the future-Tiverton Skatepark is closing in on its goal to raise $30,000 and start construction by Spring 2005.

The 18-year-old founder of the project, Ethan Smith, said he believes the last $8,000 could be raised in a town-wide bulk mailing. However, he needs a fellow-non-profit organization to let him use a bulk mailing permit. Apparently, the town of Tiverton does not have one, and according to the postmaster, Ethan would have to take expensive classes in Providence in order to earn that permit.

"If anyone has a permit, all we need is permission to use the stamp. It would not cost them anything," said Ethan, who firmly believes that prep-work to the property on Bulgarmarsh Road could begin this fall if he can raise just a little more money.

So far, fund raising has gone well. Ethan and friends have sold t-shirts, organized raffles and held concerts. Most recently, Tiverton resident Rachel Lichtfield, 20, organized a benefit concert at the Police Athletic League in Fall River, which raised $400 toward the goal. Xtreme Boards in Westport donated a skate deck for a raffle, plus concert-goers bought tickets and t-shirts.

If someone in the community will grant Ethan permission to use his/her bulk mail permit, he can be reached at 624-1526.