Long-awaited skate park open to public

Coeur d’Alene community members showed up in droves Saturday to celebrate the successful opening of the new skate park.

The final price tag for the park was $400,000. Together the Parks Department, ignite CDA,  and other dedicated members of the skating community itself were able to create a new skate park. It’s located at 480 w Garden Ave.

Local Coeur d’Alene skatepark historian known plainly as Woody recalls that the skate park plans have been evolving for 25 years.

“After the city banned skating on public properties and on the sidewalks, [they] agreed to give them a small space next to Memorial Field where the kids and their parents built wooden ramps,” said Woody.

After a big change in behavior from the skating community itself through educating children and public outreach, as well as cutting back on public consumption (smoking and drinking) the city finally agreed to help fund the provision of a well-crafted skatepark.

This connection with the community was essential for the project as one of the problems for the skaters was the perception of the surrounding community. They took initiative and demonstrated the activity as a creative and constructive outlet for the youth, and it definitely paid off.

One long-term scenester threw three parties at his house to raise more than $1,000. With a ramp built into their garage Jpat roused the interest and gratitude of the North Idaho Skate Park Association (NISPA), who were the main catalysts for appealing to public relations.

Mike Vallely, professional skateboarder, said, “I see so much love and passion for skating here, it inspires me. It inspires me to keep going.”

Vallely explained how a skate park is a place where people from all walks of life can come together for one purpose: skating.

“When you start to involve the community, then more and more people have to become accountable. A skatepark should always encourage diversity.” Vallely said.

For more information, contact NISPA at (208) 819-5093.