Venice

Venice Skate Park set to open Saturday, October 3

The Venice Surf and Skateboard Association, professional skateboarders and Los Angeles city officials will celebrate the grand opening of the 16,000-square foot Venice Beach Skate Park during a ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 3rd.

The dedication of the $2.4 million beachfront skate facility will take place near the Venice Public Art Walls and existing skate dance area near Windward Avenue and Ocean Front Walk.

Geri Lewis, executive director of the Venice Surf and Skateboard Association, and professional skater Jesse Martinez, who were instrumental in bringing the new skate park to Venice, are among those taking part in the dedication. Legendary Dogtown skaters Jay Adams and Tony Alva are also expected to attend.

Others involved in the project who will also attend are Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, Jon Mukri, general manager of the Department of Recreation and Parks, and City Engineer Gary Lee Moore.

Design input from local skaters and skating professionals helped make the Venice Beach Skate Park one of the most challenging arenas for skaters to ride. Skateboard enthusiasts say the facility will rival other skate parks around the world and stand out as one of the only parks located on a beach.

The project was funded through a variety of city sources secured by Rosendahl and his predecessors, including Quimby Funds, Damson Oil Facility Restoration funds, Venice Area Surplus Real Property trust funds and capital improvement expenditure programs.