HERMISTON — The official grand opening for the Hermiston Skatepark is Saturday, May 11, 1 p.m. at 345 S. First St.

Hermiston Parks and Recreation is celebrating with a ribbon cutting and “skatefest” with demonstrations and giveaways. Recreation Director Brandon Artz encourages people to come prepared to skate at the grand opening.

“People can bring their boards, come show off what they can do,” Artz said.

Newly completed, the Hermiston Skatepark is a project that has been in the works for 14 years. After more than a decade of work, and a construction setback during the pandemic the skatepark broke ground in June 2023.

“There’s a large skating community here, and we’re excited to be able to finally present this to them,” Artz said. “We opened April 1, and the park is being used every day.”

Designed by California Skateparks, the park was planned to have something for skaters of all skill levels to enjoy, from those who are just starting out to advanced skaters. In addition to transition-based features — bowls, quarter pipes, and ramps — the streetscape design includes features that mimic stairs, benches, curbs, and railings found on city streets.

“Most places, skating is prohibited, so to have these features really gives people a chance to practice and skate on the types of materials they usually can’t,” Artz said.

The 7,500-square-foot skatepark features a new restroom facility and is ADA-accessible. Artz said they plan to continue adding additional features, including a climbing rock and parkour elements, in the future as the budget allows. The current phase one of the project was funded 50% through community-raised dollars and 50% through Land & Water Conservation grants from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information about the Hermiston Skatepark, the grand opening and other plans, search Facebook via bit.ly/3UG6PcI or the Hermiston Parks and Recreation website at hermiston.gov/parksrec. For questions, contact 541-667-5018 or parksandrec@hermiston.gov.

Hermiston Skatepark

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 1 p.m.

WHERE: 345 S. First St.

INFO: bit.ly/3UG6PcI

QUESTIONS: 541-667-5018