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The Garden Sets Up Shop in North Adams

The skateboard shop opened in June in the newly renovated space. It will close for the winter in late fall as the owner shifts to snowboard sales in Pittsfield. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A classic Berkshire County business has opened a new branch in North County.

The Garden, a 20-year-old skateboard shop on North Street in Pittsfield, opened a space on Eagle Street in mid-June in the former Mia's Exchange.

Owner Bill Whittaker said opening a store in North Adams was a no-brainer.

"We just kind of saw an opportunity with the growth of" the city, particularly with the skatepark," he said. "We liked what we saw … with other businesses and restaurants coming in here, and it was pretty much not a huge investment … rent is pretty cheap."

Business has been steady, though Whittaker said he is still trying to get the word out. The Garden sells skateboards and skateboard equipment, including decks and wheels. It also sell apparel, like hats, sweat shirts, pants, and shoes, and other accessories.

Whittaker said that the sport of skateboarding is growing at a rapid pace, especially with women.

"I've never seen anything like it before with women," he said. "It's great."

"There's really good energy around" skateboarding now, Whittaker continued. He attributed this to the Olympics, as well as cabin fever built up around COVID-based lockdowns. People want to get back into outdoor activities, he said.

To build on that enthusiasm, The Garden has sponsored free women's skate clinics at the North Adams skatepark, where "everybody is welcome for whatever ability level." These events have been largely impromptu and have offered women the chance to learn new skills without the "intimidation" that men can inadvertently bring to bear, he said.

Whittaker told iBerkshires that he is looking forward to working with the city to promote his own business and others in the city.

"Everybody wants to work together and do fun things," Whittaker said regarding local businesses. He said The Garden will look for other events to participate in, including the First Friday events in downtown.

The Garden will be seasonal in North Adams, likely closing shop sometime after Black Friday. At that point, it will sell snowboards and ski equipment at Bosquet's new lodge in Pittsfield. The store is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 to 6 and Sunday from 11 to 4. The website is www.gardenma.com.

McCann Recognizes Superintendent Award Recipient

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
05:32PM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Landon LeClair and Superintendent James Brosnan with Landon's parents Eric and Susan LeClair, who is a teacher at McCann. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Superintendent's Award has been presented to Landon LeClair, a senior in McCann Technical School's advanced manufacturing course. 

 

The presentation was made last Thursday by Superintendent Jame Brosnan after Principal Justin Kratz read from teachers' letters extolling LeClair's school work, leadership and dedication. 

 

"He's become somewhat legendary at the Fall State Leadership Conference for trying to be a leader at his dinner table, getting an entire plate of cookies for him and all his friends," read Kratz to chuckles from the School Committee. "Landon was always a dedicated student and a quiet leader who cared about mastering the content."

 

LeClair was also recognized for his participation on the school's golf team and for mentoring younger teammates. 

 

"Landon jumped in tutoring the student so thoroughly that the freshman was able to demonstrate proficiency on an assessment despite the missed class time for golf matches," read Kratz.

 

The principal noted that the school also received feedback from LeClair's co-op employer, who rated him with all fours.

 

"This week, we sent Landon to our other machine shop to help load and run parts in the CNC mill," his employer wrote to the school. LeClair was so competent the supervisor advised the central shop might not get him back.