Some kids plan to wheel in every day once the wedges, pipes, rails and steps welcome them.
By JULIANNE WU
Published December 15, 2003
LARGO - It took six years from concept to completion, but the Largo Skate Park at the Highland Recreation Complex will open for business on Saturday in grand style.
Professional skaters will present live demonstrations and a local DJ will provide the most popular skater music. Food vendors will also be available on the premises.
Chip Potts, athletics and teen manager for the Largo Recreation Department, is coordinating the event along with members of his staff and youth and parents who have been a part of the skate park committee.
"Over the years, we've had lots of requests from skaters as well as businesses who have asked for a skate park," Potts said. "There is a general recognition that the freestyle skaters and bicyclists are all athletes and they need a proper venue where they can participate."
Until now, skateboarders, inline skaters and freestyle bicyclists have had to ply their craft largely on streets, parking lots and the like. "Some were also doing damage to places such as Largo Central Park," Potts said.
Three Largo High School skateboarders who are glad to see the Skate Park completed are freshmen Kevin McMullen and Zack Baker and sophomore Mike Compito.
"It will be cool because other ones (skate parks) are farther away. Besides, this will be cheaper," said Kevin, 14.
"From the things I've seen, it (the skate park) looks pretty good," said Zack, 14. "I'll probably go every day."
Mike, 15, who has been skateboarding about a year, said, "I think it's a good idea to have one (skate park). Then, we don't have to be hassled by people."
Although the idea of a skate park has been kicked around for several years, Potts said, things began in earnest in June when the Largo City Commission awarded bids for construction and equipment to two companies. The total cost of the 14,000-square-foot project was $344,000. Of that, the city paid MTM Contractors $162,495 for the construction of the skate park, including an entrance drive, parking lot, rainwater runoff retention pond, fencing and concrete skate slab. Construction began in August.
The city purchased ramps and other equipment from Spohn Ranch Inc. for $139,923. They were delivered last week.
Potts said the latest state-of-the-art equipment includes freestanding metal grind rails, grind boxes, wedges, a 6-foot half pipe, a 28-foot plaza with planters, rails and steps and a fun box. The ramps are made of steel and other skating surfaces are made of materials called Skatelite or Ramp Armor.
On Saturday and any time thereafter, those who wish to use the park will have to fill out one-time paperwork and liability waivers and have them notarized, Potts said. A notary public will be on the premises of the Highland Recreation Complex every day except Saturdays.
For the grand opening this Saturday, however, a notary public will be available.
The various fees to use the facilities are based on residency requirements. Daily passes only are $3 for everyone, but participants may find it a lot cheaper to purchase an annual pass: $12 for Largo residents with a Largo ID card or $15 for nonresidents with a Largo ID card. Fees for the ID cards range from $3.50 for residents and up to $75 annually for nonresidents.
Generally, the hours of operation will be the same as the Highland Recreation Complex, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. There will be modified hours during the Christmas, New Year and Martin Luther King holidays. It is best to check with the recreation complex, at 518-3016, for times.
Also, due to safety concerns, Potts said, skateboarders and inline skaters will have use of the facility at different times than the freestyle bicyclists. Check with the Highland Recreation Complex for times and days.
- Times staff writer Lorri Helfand contributed to this report.
If you go
The Largo Skate Park at the Highland Recreation Complex, 400 N Highland Ave. (just north of East Bay Drive) will have a grand opening from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Children younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your skateboards, inline skates or freestyle bicycles. Annual passes are available for $12 for residents with a Largo ID card or $15 for nonresidents with a Largo ID card. Daily passes of $3 are also available. Registration is encouraged by calling the Highland Recreation Complex, 518-3016. Or, you can sign up on Saturday and pay the appropriate fees.
