Summertime means fun, sun, and skateboarding at the Gleason Family YMCA. The Y is rolling right along with plans to reopen its skatepark for the summer months.

"Basketball isn't everyone's thing," explained Greg Baker, Youth and Teen Director at the Gleason Family YMCA, located on Charge Pond Road. "This is a place for kids who like alternative sports to come hang out in a safe environment."

Now in its sixth year, the skate park was a vision of Dr. Sherm Gleason's, who founded the YMCA in Wareham. The park features six pikes and ramps for skateboarders and plenty of open space.

"It's difficult for kids to find a place to skateboard," said Maria Gloemo, who works at the YMCA. "There isn't a lot of things for them to do. But with the skate park, they can just come to the Y."

Beginning Saturday, June 11, the skate park will be opened on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 6 p.m., but those hours may increase as the program’s popularity increases, Baker said. The skate park will be staffed with YMCA employees during its hours of operation.

The park is free to members. Non-members will need to pay the day fee to use the facilities, which ranges from $4 per day to $10 per day, depending on the visitor's age.

A season-opening event will be held on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., giving kids of all ages a chance to enjoy alternative sporting activities at the YMCA. Attendees will have a chance to win a Solstice brand skateboard.