Parks & Recreation Department Director Jon Lewitus on Thursday provided a progress report on the preliminary work to prepare for the construction of a new skate park at EMC Park in September.

Drainage work at the EMC Park is nearing completion, and the project area has been graded and seeded. Additional landscaping work will take place in the drainage area, followed by the commencement of the new skate park construction in September.

Construction of the skate park is estimated to take approximately two months to complete, and the park is expected to open in late November. A safety net will be installed between the park and the baseball fields with funds awarded by the Hopkinton Community Preservation Committee.

“We look forward to the completion of the new skate park,“ Lewitus stated in a press release. “The skate park provides recreation that is more diverse and inclusive for kids who are not playing other sports.”

The original skate park was revitalized in 2015, but no maintenance was done, resulting in disrepair and the need for the new skate park, according to the press release. Once the new skate park is opened, the Parks & Recreation Department initially plans to offer introductory skate programs on a drop-in basis from dawn to dusk.

Beginning in the spring of 2025, programs will start and will run through the winter. Drop-in times also will be available.

The growing popularity of this sport has been demonstrated at the free Skateboard/BMX Jams held over the summer.

Parks & Rec, in collaboration with the Friends of Hopkinton Skate Park and the Hopkinton Freedom Team, is hosting the second of three free Skateboard/BMX Jams at the Hopkinton Middle School outdoor basketball courts this Sunday, Ju;y 28, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The final event is set for Aug. 25. For more information and to register, visit hopkintonma.myrec.com.