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Long-Awaited Skate Park Opens Today

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By GEOFF FOX

gfox@tampatrib.com

Published: March 27, 2009

LAND O' LAKES - A long-discussed skateboard park at the Land O' Lakes Recreation Complex on Collier Parkway will be open to the public starting at 3 p.m. today.

The park, which can accommodate up to 15 skaters at a time, was designed with input from kids who know the difference among a grind rail, grind box and jump box, all of which are part of the $91,000 facility.

"We had a couple community meetings and got kids to come and sit down so we could ask them what they wanted," said Brian Taylor, Pasco County's Parks and Recreation manager.

"When you go out there you'll see some of their stuff. There's a picnic table, which we wouldn't have thought of, but it's something the kids said they wanted," Taylor said

Through the process, Taylor has learned some of the skater lingo.

"There are even quarter pipes out there," he said. "That's what gives you your speed."

There will be no cost to use the park, but skaters under 18 must have a waiver signed by their parents, and helmets are required.

Rules will be posted at the park and on the waivers but skaters will mainly police themselves, as the park will not always be supervised.

Taylor said construction of the skate park took about two months.

It was built by a company in Connecticut, then hauled to Land O' Lakes, where it took another week or so to set up.

"In the middle of it there's a pyramid with the grind box, jump box and a grind rail," he said. "Of course, the pyramid has ramps too. We're just hoping it gives kids something new to do. I think it'll be exciting; it's not something we really have around here."

Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 779-4613.

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