Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Skate park ribbon cutting to feature professional skaters, music

The Parks & Recreation Department is pulling out all the stops for the grand reopening of the Hank Fredette Skate Park at EMC Park on March 29.

The day will begin with speeches by Parks & Rec Director Jon Lewitus, a Community Preservation Commission member and Parks & Rec Commission chair Dan Terry.

Features of the event include music, food trucks and giveaways by sponsors such as New Balance.

“It’s really just an event to experience the park and get excited,” Lewitus said.

Parks & Rec also has partnered with Orchard Skateshop to bring professional skaters to the ribbon cutting. Boston skaters Brian Reid, Connor Noll, Shawn MacMillan and Eddie Vargas are set to show off some tricks and help young skaters improve their skills.

“It’s a fun, open atmosphere for everyone,” said Parks & Rec program director Colleen Allen, who has led the charge in putting the ribbon cutting together.

The journey to renovate the skate park began in 2019. Jenny Hart, a former Parks & Rec employee, spearheaded the restoration efforts with young residents looking for a place to skate.

“The park itself was in disrepair, and Jenny had kind of taken it on as a project to revamp this for these kids,” Allen explained.

The result was a community-led campaign, with high school kids making funding pitches to the CPC. Over time, support grew, and the park was restored this past fall.

“This is really a community-driven passion project that developed over time into the beautiful park we’re about to open,” said Lewitus.

The ribbon cutting ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m on March 29 at EMC Park. More information is available on the Parks & Rec website.

Latest News

The Board of Health on Monday discussed the early steps of adopting new regulations that would ban the sale of nicotine products to anyone born after a specific cutoff date.

Our latest Business Briefs highlight Blackstone Valley Wealth Management advisors James Valis and Gregg Manis, who were recognized once again withj the Five Star Wealth Manager Award.

The Hopkinton Area Land Trust and the Hopkinton Public Library are hosting a talk from regenerative landscape designer Trevor Smith from Weston Nurseries on March 26.

Town meetings tonight include the Appropriation Committee (5) and School Committee (6).

Photo of the Day

Jordan Thayer lines up a putt during the Hopkinton Public Library’s indoor mini-golf fundraiser on Saturday.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO