After 15 years of groups asking, Dungarvan Skatepark was officially opened by Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. John O’Leary during the week.
It was constructed in less than nine weeks and is located in Fairlane.
The skatepark features a concrete bowl and street plaza making it suitable for skateboarders, rollerbladers, BMXers, and scooter riders.
The 600-meter-squared facility was designed with the specific needs of skateboarders in mind after input was given by Waterford Comhairle na nÓg and local skateboarders.
Speaking at the official opening, Cllr O'Leary described seeing young people developing skills and friendships as "heartening."
“Now that skateboarding is officially an Olympic Sport, we could be looking at a future gold medallist hailing from Dungarvan or the surrounding areas. Olympic dreams, like most dreams, start with a spark of encouragement or motivation and I believe this park is where Olympic dreams can become a reality,” he added.
Skaters can perform tricks such as ollies, frontside 180s, laser flips, and kickflips in the bowl section, while in the street plaza area they can negotiate street obstacles such as chairs, railings and benches.
The facility was developed by Dungarvan Skatepark Company and is constructed in concrete.
It cost almost €200,000 with Waterford Leadership Partnership giving a grant aid of €150,000. Dungarvan Lions Club provided €10,000 for project funding and the remaining €40,000 came from Waterford City and County Council.
The Council also leased the land at Fairlane to the Skatepark Company.
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