HUNTINGTON BEACH : City-Run Skateboard Park Opens Today

The county’s first municipal skateboard park opens today, joining a handful statewide. The 2,000-square-foot, $71,000 skating facility is at Murdy Park, 7000 Norma Drive.

Professional skateboarders are expected to be on hand to demonstrate their skills at 10 a.m. dedication ceremonies.

Bill Fowler, the city’s superintendent for recreation and human services, said the oblong-shaped concrete surface, equipped with curbs and benches, was designed with safety in mind. The steepest drop is 18 inches.

Still concerned about the potential for injuries--and related lawsuits--the city will require skateboarders to wear helmets and knee and elbow pads.

The skateboard park was first proposed when the City Council prohibited skateboarding and skating in downtown business and commercial zones in April, 1991.

The City Council promised to build the new facility after skateboarders protested the ban.

Two other skateboard parks had been planned in the city, but they were put on hold until what happens at Murdy Park is evaluated.

Councilman Victor Leipzig said city officials want to see if the new facility gets much use and whether skateboarders get along with other park users and residents in the area.

“This will be an experiment,” Leipzig said. “The city needs recreational opportunities for people of all ages, and young kids really are into skateboarding.”