After 10 years in the making, a grand opening celebration of the new WJ Skatepark + Urban Plaza is set for Saturday, June 21 at Washington Jefferson Park in Eugene, Oregon.
The WJ Skatepark is the largest covered and lighted public skatepark in the U.S., spanning 23,000 square feet. It has been in the works since 2004, and was designed and built by one of the most respected names in the business, Dreamland Skateparks.
On April 4, the WJ Skatepark opened its gates for a "soft opening". More than 1,000 skateboarders, BMX and scooter riders, roller skaters, and spectators shows up, and the park has been busy ever since.
Washington Jefferson Park has seen improvements throughout, in hopes of bringing people to the park that may not skate, as well as attracting special events. Restrooms have been built in a more visible location and energy-efficient lighting and new landscaping have been installed. There are also vendor pads to accommodate food carts, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the park.
The grand opening celebration on June 21 coincides with Go Skateboarding Day, an official annual holiday recognized worldwide to promote the sport of skateboarding. Attendees of Saturday’s festivities can ride the route to the park for free on the local bus system by showing their skateboard or bike.
A full day of activities (including demos and a competition) will not only celebrate the sport of skateboarding, but hopefully introduce it to those not as familiar with it. This community event will also include plenty of sports outside of skateboarding such as a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, horseshoes, and bike polo, plus live music, vendors, and more.
The tentative schedule for June 21 is as follows:
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. - FREE skate lessons provided by the City of Eugene River House Outdoor Program and Tactics Boardshop
11:30 a.m. - Food booths open
1 - 8 p.m. - Retail and community booths
1 p.m. - Dedication ceremony
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. - Live music by Sol Seed
1:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Free skate
1:30 - 5 p.m. - Drop-in horseshoes hosted by the Oregon Horseshoe Pitcher's Association
3 - 4:30 p.m. - Live music by Lafa Taylor (Street Ritual, Make Music)
3:30 - 4 p.m. - Skate demos
4:00 - 7 p.m. - Skate competition hosted by Tactics Boardshop, with music by DJ Foodstamp
5 - 6:30 p.m. - Live music by Sol Seed
7 - 8 p.m. - Live music by Strange Vine
Eugene, Cascades & Coast Sports Commission, under the corporate umbrella of Travel Lane County, markets and promotes the region as a destination for sports, while providing resources designed to help events and planners succeed. For more information, go to www.EugeneCascadesCoastSports.org.
Travel Lane County is a private, nonprofit association dedicated to economic development through visitor spending. In 2012 visitors to Lane County generated more than $555 million in spending for Lane County’s economy. Travel Lane County is funded by room tax paid by visitors using area lodging facilities and campgrounds.
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