.jpg "Rolling Forward: How Weston Field’s Revamp is Shaping the City’s Future")
Rolling Forward: How Weston Field’s Revamp is Shaping the City’s Future
By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | May 16, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
Scranton is setting the stage for something special—something bold, community-driven, and long overdue. At the heart of this revitalization is Weston Field, a cornerstone of the city’s recreational landscape that’s getting a fresh dose of purpose. With the revamped pool nearly complete and a brand-new concrete skatepark ready to break ground, the city is signaling loud and clear: progress is happening here.
Let’s talk about that skatepark. This isn’t just a place to land tricks—it’s a lifeline. A true, dedicated facility gives skaters, BMX riders, scooter kids, and rollerbladers a home base. A safe space. A creative outlet. And for many, it becomes the one place where they feel seen and understood. These aren’t your typical athletes, but their grind—both literal and metaphorical—is real. In too many cities, these young people are misunderstood, labeled, or ignored. But give them a park, a space built just for them, and you’ll see a shift: in attitude, in purpose, and in mental health.
Mockup for the future Weston Field Skatepark (Scranton Parks & Rec)
I know that truth firsthand. Over 25 years ago, I helped build and orchestrate a skatepark in my hometown of New Milford, PA. What I witnessed wasn’t just skate tricks—it was transformation. Bonds were formed, confidence was built, and a subculture rooted in respect and resilience took root. That park became a magnet for growth, belonging, and second chances. It's not an exaggeration to say it changed lives—and it’s why this project in Scranton matters so much.
Wilkes-Barre got it right when they launched their skatepark at Hollenback Park—a project that’s now thriving as a daily destination for riders of all ages. You can feel the vibe there: tricks being landed, friendships being built, and energy pulsing through the pavement. It’s more than a park—it’s a cultural anchor. Scranton’s ready for that same magic.
What a dedicated facility brings isn’t just a place to shred—it’s a safe haven. It’s a spot where skaters bond over progression, not pressure. Where falling is part of the process and community means spotting each other mid-air and cheering the next attempt. It’s creative, raw, and real. And once Weston’s concrete starts curing, it’ll be a haven for hundreds who’ve never had a true space to call their own.
And let’s not forget the pool—rebuilt to be more efficient, safer, and way more inviting. It’s a return to those classic summer days with a modern twist. Whether you're lacing up your pads or diving into the deep end, Weston Field is about to be the spot in the city.
This isn’t just about recreation. It’s about reinvigoration. About giving every kid—regardless of sport, background, or label—a space to grow, express, and belong. Whether you’re carving lines in the bowl or floating beneath the sun, Weston Field is shaping up to be a symbol of what happens when a city believes in its people and builds for everyone.
