What's New?

Westside Community Skatepark opens to the public

Hundreds of enthusiastic skaters joined city officials to cut the ribbon and celebrate El Paso's second high quality, concrete skatepark at Westside Community Park (7400 High Ridge) near Franklin High School.

"Thanks for being so patient," said El Paso Parks Director Nanette Smejkal.

The 12,600 square foot facility took 4 months to construct and cost $457,000 - paid for with money from the 2000 Quality of Life bond election.

Prior to the dedication, the pros and bros from the Sugar Skateboard team performed a demo for the large crowd, some of them perched atop shade canopies for a better view.

Team leader Marco says they were videotaping the event as part of a special for Fuel TV (airdate TBA.)

"The original plan was for this skatepark was a flat slab with modular ramps. But give a lot of credit to Parks for listening to the skaters and embracing our vision," said Paul Zimmerman, EPSA President.

"A lot of people ask about our slogan 'tienes concrete?' and what it means. It's all about building better skateparks and concrete is where it's at."

Click here to see Grand Opening event photo gallery

After all the dignitary stuff, it was time to skate. Traffic was heavy and energy was pumping. "The clam bowl is awesome," said Jeremiah Risk, a high-flying skater from Temecula, CA. Risk, who drives an 18-wheeler for WWE, says he was just passing thru when he heard about the grand opening.

Crooks Skateshop held a best trick contest on the park's step up/handrail/hubba section. The open jam was won by local Rocky Chavez - his prize winnings were tossed into the crowd.

Thanks to the media for helping spread the good word. KVIA-TV's Doppler Dave Speelman did live weather hits at 4 and 5, but had to bail out on the 6 o'clock show after his video camera guy got bonked in the head by a loose board. Univision 26, KFOX, KDBC, KTSM and the El Paso Times also provided media coverage.

Jose Solis from the El Paso City Channel 15 (on Time Warner Cable) is also doing a feature story on the skatepark's grand opening (airdate TBA.)

The skatepark's cornerstone is a 6 foot bowl that hips into an "A-framed" 8.5 foot clamshell deep end with Federal Stone pool coping. The L-shaped street course includes two stair sets (5 stair & 3 stair), a step up gap, hip banks,ledges, nipple bump, quarter pipe and a long China bank.

The original skatepark budget was about $200,000 (and shrinking!) But both the design concept and budget morphed considerably along the way.

Click here to see CONSTRUCTION PHOTO STORY

Seth Johnson of Ideal Skateparks designed the skatepark's footprint (pro-bono), EPSA suggested refinements and Mijares-Mora Architects (Steve Dominguez and Rob Parker) made the blue prints.

Thanks to general contractor CSA and Breaking Ground Skateparks (from Rhode Island) for all the hard work building this skatepark on some rather rocky, challenging terrain - the kids are gonna love it!

Who Are We?

We are a group of serious skateboarders who are dedicated to the development and stewardship of safe, freely accessible public skateparks in the El Paso, Texas area. We welcome all collaborations from skateboarders and look forward to establishing partnerships throughout the city, county and state.

Sign our support petition and join the EPSA!

UPCOMING EVENT

Join EPSA at Carolina Skatepark on Friday evening, October 9th, for a contest and a movie. Thanks to Crooks Skateshop and El Paso Parks and Recreation for making it happen. Need mas info? Call Crooks at 755-0493 or the Carolina Recreation Center at 594-8934.