JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For local skaters, the wait is finally over.
A new skate park in Riverside officially opened Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The Artist Walk Skate Park is right under the Fuller Warren Bridge across the street from where the Riverside Arts Market is held every Saturday.
Dozens gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony with their boards in their hands and skates on their feet.
“Only in Riverside can we take this hulking mass of metal and concrete and turn it into something beautiful and great,” City Councilman Jimmy Peluso said.
It took some time, but the park is finally open and skaters are dropping in.
“Thank you and let’s get skating,” Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said.
City officials said the park is for everyone. People of all ages and skill levels are welcome.
Cassius Foote was one of the first at the park when it officially opened. He said he had been waiting a long time for this moment.
“Really, really excited,” the 7-year-old said.
He said he hopes to be in the Olympics one day and has a long list of tricks he said he has been practicing since he was 2.
“Ollie, I’m practicing my shove it, my manual and that’s pretty much it. I can also do a kickflip,” he said.
City leaders said it’s a chance to get outside, learn a new skill and get active.
But this is a space city officials hope everyone of all skill levels will use.
“This is not just for skaters,” City of Jacksonville Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Daryl Joseph said. “This is for families around Jacksonville to use in a new and exciting way.”
