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The Return of Dogtown? Venice Skate Park Opens Today
The fences will be torn down today | Photo by planetc1 via Flickr
It was only last February when construction began on the 16,000-square-foot Venice Beach Skate Plaza. Today, eight months later, the $3.5 million in-ground concrete park full of bowls, ramps, rails, platforms, and steps opens.
When Venice Beach was renovated between 1999 and 2001, skateboarders demanded a park in honor of Dogtown, the birthplace of modern skateboarding. "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," touts L.A. City Councilman Bill Rosendal's office. "The facility rivals other skate parks around the world but stands out as one of the only skate parks located on a beach."
If you want to help break in the park today, the 11 a.m. event is open to the public. Find the park on beach near the Public Art Walls (“Graffiti Walls”) and existing skate dance area near Windward Avenue and Ocean Front Walk.
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