WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — As hundreds gathered to celebrate the opening of the town's new skatepark, the minds of many were on the one person they most wished could be in attendance.

 

The park on Stetson Road "officially" opened with a ribbon cutting a little after 2 p.m., two hours after attendees started using their skateboards, bicycles, scooters and rollerblades at the Max Rothschild Memorial Skatepark.

 

And just before the ribbon was cut, Adam Rothschild talked about his 7-year-old son, for whom the venue was named.

 

"As much as Max loved sports and adventure, what really made him special was his exuberance — the exuberance he brought to every day," Rothschild told the crowd. "He approached life with confidence, energy and a sense of fun and mischief that was contagious. He loved playing with [siblings] Ellie and Caleb and with his friends. He was competitive. He could be bossy. And he certainly liked to do things his own way.

 

"But, above all, he was fun to be around. He brought energy and excitement and a lot of love wherever he went.

 

"I think that's what makes this skatepark such a fitting place to honor Max. A skatepark is about more than skateboarding. It is about community and friendship. It's about trying something new, taking a chance, falling down, getting back up and having fun all along the way. It's a place where kids can challenge themselves, cheer each other on and make memories together. And that sounds a lot like Max."

 

The Rothschild family joined organizers who fund-raised to make the park happen and local government officials in a day that included trick competitions, music and food.