With a crowded ribbon-cutting ceremony last Sunday, March 25, the new Skate Park at Magnolia Park officially opened.
An estimated 250 people attended the opening. Skateboard hot-shots sailed above the fresh concrete ramps and berms as helmeted and padded preschoolers gave the newest addition to St. Martinville recreation a try.
The verdict on the new feature was an unqualified thumbs up. The well-finished concrete is smooth enough that the rumble of the wheels could barely be heard. The sculpture-like appearance of the high cantilevered ramps and undulating contours drew positive comments from people seeing it for the first time.
St. Martinville skate boarder Luke Romero teamed up with well-known skate park contractor Dave Wattigney to design the installation. At a cost of just over $50,000, the 4,500 sq. ft. facility was mostly financed with a portion of the proceeds from the December 2016 recreation bonds.
The crowd enjoyed chili dogs and snacks provided by the St. Martinville Main Street Assn. The Rucus Skate Team from Lafayette sent a group of skilled wheelheads and provided skateboards for the raffle. Van’s Sporting Goods gave away skat-
ing shoes.
One of the park’s three new pavilions and a cooking grill is being built alongside the skate park, so more sedentary family members can watch the action in comfort.
The addition will require very little maintenance, and will last nearly forever, said Dist. 1 councilman Mike Fuselier. The skate park will be available for use at no charge whenever the park is open.
