Celebration set for skate park

SANDUSKY — People can drive, walk or preferably skate to the grand opening of an eagerly anticipated recreational project. Several entities — Sandusky's government, Advocate Skate Works and Halo Live — teamed up to host a grand opening for the new Sandusky Wheels Park, 222 Meigs St. It's behind the Sandusky Justice Center not far from Battery Park. The event takes place from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday. Dubbed Skatedusky, this event "will showcase Sandusky's new 12,000-square-foot park built for skateboards, bikes, scooters, quads and adaptive riders," according to an event statement. "Designed by OHM Advisors and Spohn Ranch with input from local users and funded through the (federally funded) American Rescue Plan Act, the park replaces the old skate park and brings a modern design that serves a wide range of wheeled recreation," it continued. "Construction was led by Sandusky-based Slip-in-Concrete and is part of the city's larger effort to reinvest in parks and public spaces." Here's a tentative look at the day's schedule: • Noon to 2 p.m. — free skateboarding and bike clinics • 2 p.m. — ribbon-cutting ceremony • All day — music, pro demos, vendors, food trucks and more Event highlights include: • Live music from national and local acts, including The Raging Nathans, Dead Hands, OONGOW and Mentally Distrakted • Pro demonstrations from BMX riders, skateboarders and quad skaters • Local vendors, craft artists and food trucks • Raffles for new BMX bikes and skateboards with all proceeds supporting Advocate Skate Works • Giveaways Program coordinators also offered a "special thanks" to the main event sponsor, Huffy BMX. Before or after this event, meanwhile, people can visit the skate park daily at no cost. Full speed ahead Here are some various tidbits to understand about Sandusky's new skate park, built atop the former facility: • The finalization: In 2023, amid a public meeting, city officials formalized plans to begin building a long-awaited skate park for many different users, including those riding skateboards, scooters, BMX (bicycle motocross), roller skates, roller blades, longboards and even wheelchairs. This follows a decision from 2022 when officials agreed upon constructing a fresh facility at its existing site off Meigs Street behind the tennis courts. • The preparation: Before voting on this project, officials consulted with various community stakeholders, including those who used the former skate park at this very site, to conceptualize design plans, confirm amenities and work out other issues. • The problems: Originally debuting in 1999, the former skate park was way beyond "the end of its useful life," city chief planner Arin Blair said. The ramps, railings and other features often got damaged or compromised, putting users at risk of injury. The push for actually building a new skate park unofficially began in the mid-2010s. • The sacrifices: In this new skate park, the pump truck, because of cost, was removed and not replaced. • The importance: Blair underscored how this project "will create a destination public skate park accessible to users of all wheels, all ages and all skill levels." Officials realize the park's popularity, recognized as a favorite gathering spot among children and younger people, prompting them to move forward with this project. • The delays: Construction took longer than expected for various reasons, such as complications with the bidding process, pushing back a grand opening date first set for 2024. Crews did finish up all tasks in wintertime, allowing people to skate in this facility weeks beforehand during a soft-opening period. • The location: Blair said stakeholders wanted to keep the skate park at its current home due to its "beautiful waterfront views, an accessible site and close to downtown." • The amenities: The park features a mellow beginner's area, street elements, jump line, bowl along with seating areas and shade structures. Public art is planned for this site. • The funding: This project received federal funds through the American Rescue Plan Act. The project overall totaled $1 million with $900,000 spent on construction and $100,000 for design.