May 2, 2008

Biggest and best skate park opens in Evergreen

By Bill Highlander
Editor

Vice mayor Dave Cortese called it the biggest facility for skateboarders in the western United States and said, “Youths from around the county will have a safe and competitive place to enjoy.” Superlatives described the opening of a new skate park at Lake Cunningham on Saturday.

Evergreen’s new 68,000 square-foot skate park contains the largest full pipe (22 x 72 feet), tallest vertical wall in the world (30 feet) and the largest cradle (19 feet) in the country. Photos courtesy City of San Jose

Numbers seem to bear that out. The 68,000 square foot skate park contains the largest full pipe (22 x 72 feet), tallest vertical wall in the world (30 feet) and the largest cradle (19 feet) in the country. It also has 11 bowls, a couple of thimbles for wee boarders, and a street course.

Albert Balagso, director of parks and recreation, said that Fresno is planning a slightly larger park, but he has 30,000 square feet left for expansion. So he has challenged Fresno to try and top the Zach-Wormhoudt designed park. The $4.6 million park was constructed in just about a year.

After the ribbon cutting, hundreds of skaters rushed into the complex to try out their best moves. The park promises to be popular with skaters young and young-at-heart. A 3-year old seemed cautious, but ready to roll with his helmet and pads on. A few girls were on skates, but most of the boarders were males.

Max Lambrecht, 37, had not actively been on his board in a couple of years, but he was moving around a cradle with ease. “This is amazing,” he said, and using a golf analogy, he compared the new park to “Pasatiempo and Augusta rolled into one.”

Another veteran boarder who runs a web site for skate parks thought the design was great, although he thought a few things might have been better. He hopes that bikes will not be allowed.

Jim Zito, chair of the district 8 Round Table, a community organization for the enhancement of Evergreen, explained the various elements of the park. He thinks it won’t be long before someone fully rotates within the pipe and someone touches the limits of the vert wall.

Zito hopes that a concession stand and perhaps and a repair shop will be available. The only refreshment available for opening day was Red Bull, an energy drink in barrels placed by one of the sponsors. Other sponsors included vendors for boards, helmets, kneepads, t-shirts, posters and other gear.

Skateboarders worked up a thirst from the athletic maneuvers whirling about the pipe and cradles at the new skate park.

The boarders probably worked up a thirst from the athletic maneuvers whirling about the pipe and cradles. Spills and skids didn’t seem to bother them, but aspirin and liniment probably awaited them at home. Helmets, kneepads and elbow pads are required.

DJs and a 3-piece band, Clay Wheels, entertained with rap, surf, punk and heavy blues music. The tempo fit well with the antics of the boarders. Skate contests were held throughout the day.

Skaters under 18 must have permission of a parent or guardian and supervision on site. Waivers must be notarized. The City has no liability for injuries.

The skate park will open Monday—Friday from 11:00 a.m., on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. and close 30 minutes before sunset. Admission is $2 per visit or $50 for an annual pass. Lights may be added to allow night skating.

Cortese foresees sponsors advertising on signs around the skate area to cover operating and maintenance costs.