Temporary Skate Park to Open in Downtown Grand Rapids

A new temporary skate park will open this Friday in downtown Grand Rapids and this is sure to fire up some local skateboarders.

I see skateboarders all the time just looking for a place to practice, then usually when they do, someone runs them off.

I get why people would run someone off because if they get hurt there can be a lawsuit. Kids have skateboarded for years, so it seems more logical to have a place where the area is dedicated to the boarders' needs and safety.

Nothing like a city-owned piece of property to put to good use. According to MLive, a piece of property located at 555 Monroe Avenue NW was funded by the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority in the amount of $255,000. This will cover some cool ramps, grind rails and other elements that involve skateboards, bicycles and scooters.

I wonder how many of those scooters you see around town wind up at the skatepark?

Kids love to skateboard while others love to watch, so beginning Friday, October 16, enthusiasts will get their chance to use the makeshift park.

The good news is the park won't just come and go, beginning this Friday it will be up and running for at least two years.

The local government is still trying to decide on what will be the permanent use of the city-owned property based on community feedback and reaction to the park, and will further determine if the park becomes permanent or is moved to another part of the city.

The best part of the new skatepark is that it is free for the public to use and open all year long between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.

There is an official ribbon cutting event that will be held this Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. that will feature some professional skaters, live music and the first open skate.

All of the ramps won't be completed for Friday's opening but that will give skaters things to look forward to.