Woodridge Opens Park Just for Skaters

In the midst of an energetic frenzy of skaters whizzing around ramps, along rails and in an empty pool, the Woodridge Park District officially opened its new, lighted skate park Thursday night.

Though the ceremony marked the dedication of the park, skaters took advantage of the park after the construction fence was taken down earlier this week.

The skate park, built next to the in-line hockey rink at Janes Avenue Park, was designed with the help and input from a volunteer planning committee made up of young local skaters, skateboarders and bikers.  The 14-person committee was recruited by Park District Executive Director Mike Adams.

Members of the committee were honored at the opening with T-shirts and a plaque posted in the park.  The members included: Matt Adams, Zach Cavalier, Eddie Crowley, Brandon Flares, Collin Gum, Jeremy Hadden, Chris Hansen, Zach Jarzbek, Cade Nelson, Brian Proctor, Alex Rosinski, Alex Standley, Alex Thomas and Conrad Wright.

The $475,000 skate park project, planned in 2009, was paid for, in part, by a $237,400 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  The park was built by American Ramp Company of Joplin, MO.

Park District Board President Fred Hohnke, who attended the opening, said the skate park was built on schedule and under budget.

Ian Dangalen of Lyons, who has skateboarded for 11 years, came to try out the new park.  "There's a lot more stuff to skate here," he said. "There's a lot of obstacles and it looks fun."

Mike Kaufman, of Woodridge, said that although there are skate parks in every communities, the park in Woodridge is unique. "There is a little more variety in this park," Kaufman said. "They have a lot of obstacles in a small space.  And it's the only outdoor park around that has a bowl."