This is Only a Test

If you drove past the Newtown Skate Park today and saw a slew of kids riding their skateboards, don't worry, they weren't trespassing.

A noise test was conducted this afternoon at the park, which has been closed since late March due to noise complaints. The park is still closed, however.

At their last meeting, the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors approved a sound baseline test to be done at the park by Joseph Horesco of Acentech in Trevose. The baseline test is estimated to cost between $900 to $1,300.

Supervisors Chairman Rob Ciervo confirmed that the activity was in fact from the test, which began at 3 p.m.

When they approved the sound test, the supervisors said they wanted to measure sound, both with and without skaters present, to gauge how much nuisance sound is being created solely by skaters.

Township officials have said the park will likely remain closed through April as they work to implement noise remedies and provide time to complete the sound study. The park, located behind Staples off the Newtown Bypass, was closed after complaints about noise from residents of the Tyler Walk community.