The Greenport Skate Park will host the Third-Annual Greenport Skate Park Festival, which organizers hope will raise awareness and funds for a major renovation project for the park, this coming Saturday.

The Greenport Skate Park, which cost $200,000 to build, opened to the public in October of 1998 to much acclaim and enjoyed praise in a 2000 article in Transworld Skateboarding Magazine for its design. Over the years, the physical state of the park has declined because the village did not set up a maintenance plan after it was opened. Despite its current state, skateboarders and cyclists still flock to the park.

Festival organizers Michelle and Michael Bendik, who split their time between Greenport and Philadelphia, are on a mission to turn the skate park into a community hub where families can gather. In order to do that Ms. Bendik says they have a three-phase plan that includes resurfacing the park, rebuilding the ramps, and creating a community green space.

“It needs a lot of TLC and it needs to be updated,” she said.

Although Bendik said the village has been phenomenal with helping prep for the festival, Bendik said the skate park is not a priority and often receives bare bones repairs. Referring to it as a step-child of the village, Bendik said the skate park is an attraction for families from all over the North Fork and other parts of Long Island. Right now, Bendik says, it’s all just bleachers and hot sun but she envisions a playground, green spaces, picnic benches and refurbished bike trails in Moore’s Woods.

Greenport Trustee Mary Bess Phillips said repairs have been made on an as-needed basis over the years, and that a maintenance plan was never created. Phillips said she hopes maintenance can be addressed in the future.

“The festival is merely a starting point,” Bendik said.

Although they have sponsors for the festival, Bendik said getting companies to commit funds to the renovation is difficult because they do not have non-profit status yet. She said they were looking at foundations and professional skateboarders to help with the effort, but without the nonprofit status, companies cannot write off the donations.

The Bendiks have a quote of $50,000 for the resurfacing and she added they were “not anywhere near the $50,000” point in raising funds — even with the money raised from the first two festivals.

Last year, the festival had 30 skaters and more than 300 spectators. This year, the Bendiks are shooting for more skaters and 400 people to attend. She said local sponsors are supportive and the skaters receive great prizes. Spectators can also enjoy music and raffles.

For additional information email greenportskateparkfestival@gmail.com or visit the Greenport Skate Park Festival Facebook page.