Riverside Park’s multiyear revitalization has cut the ribbon on its latest addition: a new 15,000-square-foot skatepark. With the Ambassador Bridge looming in the background, the waterfront facility—designed by Seattle-based Grindline Skateparks—is arguably one of the most picturesque places to skateboard in the city.
The grand opening takes place on Saturday, June 22, at 3621 W. Jefferson Avenue. Skate demos begin at 10 a.m. ahead of a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Though the official opening takes place this weekend, the park’s concrete surface dried weeks ago, allowing locals—as well as 51-year-old skateboarding legend Tony Hawk—chances to sample the riverfront facility early.
The Riverside Park revamp was made possible by a 2015 Land Exchange Agreement in which the Detroit International Bridge Company demolished the former Detroit News Warehouse and transferred the five-acre parcel to the city to expand the waterfront green space. Funding for the $800,000 skatepark came from the city as well as the Ralph C. Wilson and Tony Hawk foundations.
Riverside Skatepark joins earlier improvements including new basketball courts, soccer fields, and a dog park. Work on the next phase—which calls for an sledding hill, boat launch, and splash pad—isn’t scheduled to begin until next summer, according to the city.
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