IRVINE

A portion of Harvard Community Athletic Park fell to the area’s young wheeled warriors Saturday when city officials unveiled Irvine’s only skateboard park.

The city celebrated the grand opening of the Harvard Sk8 Park and the 25th anniversary of the park that will be home to the 8,000-square-foot outdoor complex at Harvard Avenue near Walnut Avenue.

Community Services Supervisor David Anderson said the facility has been in the works for about 18 months, while hordes of teenagers anxiously awaited the ribbon cutting.

Anderson said the city gathered advice from area youths before building the $500,000 project.

The lighted complex features several ramps, rails and bowls surrounded by spectator bleachers. Skaters will need to wear pads and helmets, which will be available for free on a first-come, first-served basis.