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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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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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