Patten Free Library Offers Free Bath Skatepark Passes to Cardholders Starting April 1

Starting April 1, a library card in Bath is worth a free session at Maine's largest indoor skatepark. Patten Free Library will begin issuing passes to the Bath Skatepark for cardholders, with each pass covering free admission and equipment access for up to four people ages five and up at the Midcoast Youth Center's more than 6,000-square-foot facility.

"By offering experiences that our patrons might not otherwise be able to access or afford, we are expanding the possibilities of what libraries can do for their communities," said Hannah Lackoff, Patten Free Library Program and Outreach Manager. "The Bath Skatepark is the perfect addition to this program, and we can't wait for our patrons of all ages to see what the park has to offer."

The skatepark accommodates skateboards, scooters, BMX, and inline skates, and is operated in part by local youth and riders. Session fees from paying visitors fund programs in the adjoining MYC Teen Space, and the library pass covers both those admission costs and equipment rentals in full for the group.

Kirstie Truluck, Midcoast Youth Center's Director of Development, said the partnership was a natural fit. "We really are thrilled to be part of the library's collection of all the cool things that families can access at no cost," she said. "The research tells us that there are physical, social, cognitive, and emotional benefits to skateboarding, and MYC is honored to build on that work."

To reserve a pass, cardholders must stop by the Patten Free Library circulation desk in person starting April 1; the desk can be reached at (207) 443-5141. Library card and ID are required, and standard pass loan policies apply. Availability is reported at three passes per month, making the first week of April the prime window to secure one before they're gone.

The Bath Skatepark pass extends PFL's existing museum and recreation pass program, which already includes passes to the Chocolate Church Arts Center and the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine. Patten Free Library announced the program on March 27.

Here is the formatted final response:

SUMMARY: A Patten Free Library card will get a family of four into Maine's largest indoor skatepark for free starting April 1, covering admission and gear for riders ages 5 and up.

CONTENT:

Starting April 1, a library card in Bath is worth a free session at Maine's largest indoor skatepark. Patten Free Library will begin issuing passes to the Bath Skatepark for cardholders, with each pass covering free admission and equipment access for up to four people ages five and up at the Midcoast Youth Center's more than 6,000-square-foot facility.

"By offering experiences that our patrons might not otherwise be able to access or afford, we are expanding the possibilities of what libraries can do for their communities," said Hannah Lackoff, Patten Free Library Program and Outreach Manager. "The Bath Skatepark is the perfect addition to this program, and we can't wait for our patrons of all ages to see what the park has to offer."

The skatepark accommodates skateboards, scooters, BMX, and inline skates, and is operated in part by local youth and riders. Session fees from paying visitors fund programs in the adjoining MYC Teen Space, and the library pass covers both those admission costs and equipment rentals in full for the group.

Kirstie Truluck, Midcoast Youth Center's Director of Development, said the partnership was a natural fit. "We really are thrilled to be part of the library's collection of all the cool things that families can access at no cost," she said. "The research tells us that there are physical, social, cognitive, and emotional benefits to skateboarding, and MYC is honored to build on that work."

To reserve a pass, cardholders must stop by the Patten Free Library circulation desk in person starting April 1; the desk can be reached at (207) 443-5141. Library card and ID are required, and standard pass loan policies apply. Availability is reported at three passes per month, making the first week of April the prime window to secure one before they are gone.

The Bath Skatepark pass extends PFL's existing museum and recreation pass program, which already includes passes to the Chocolate Church Arts Center and the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine. Patten Free Library announced the program on March 27.