There is a park that many Hernando County residents do not know exists. Nestled on a corner of Talbot Circle and Pinehurst Drive is a local park in Spring Hill called Pioneer Park which was renamed to Stewy’s Park after Stewart Abramowicz, aged 12, died in a scooter accident January 2001 on Pinehurst Drive. Abramowicz along with his twin brother Anthony had worked to raise money for building a skate park before both were tragically struck down by a vehicle in their Spring Hill neighborhood. Anthony survived and helped to see the skate park become a reality.
The park has gone through many transitions. In 2002, Hernando County matched $125,000 in private funding and donations to help build the park. For about 10 years the park was in full operation, but in February of 2013 the county took over the park after the nonprofit organization ‘Save Stewy’s Skate Park’ defaulted on their insurance.
Even though the concession stand in no longer operating, skateboarders still execute skateboarding tricks on the rails and attempt to master air tricks on the ramps.
Later in the afternoon, the park brings in more of a crowd which limits the skateboarder’s time to practice and perform tricks. So if you want to get in some serious practice, plan to go in the morning when you don’t have to fight the crowd.
Friends Alex Record, Daniel Guida and Vincent Chiaramonte did just that. They have been skateboarding at the park since it first opened. “It’s been a year since we skated last, so we are kinda rusty,” Guida said.
“If they made another one, of course we wouldn’t dislike that, but I think this (Stewy’s Park) gets the job done,” stated Guida.
This park has many opportunities and for young men like Jessie McCasalin who was also testing out his skateboarding skills. Three months ago he moved to Spring Hill From Alabama to be closer to his brother.
Pioneer Park – Stewy’s Skate Park | 6799 Pinehurst Dr, Spring Hill, FL 34606
Park is opened from dusk to dawn… skateboarders under the age of 17 must have parent consent form on file: http://www.hernandocounty.us/parks_rec/parks/Park_detail.asp?Key=20