News Summary
Irmo has officially opened its new skate park, hosting the Boardr series competition that attracted 71 participants from 20 states. Covering 8,500 square feet, the park is designed for all skill levels and promotes inclusivity in skateboarding. Local officials see it as a significant hub for community activity and economic benefits. The event emphasized the growing interest in skateboarding within the town and plans for future competitions.
Irmo has welcomed its new skate park with a successful national competition, the Boardr series, held on March 28-29 in the Friarsgate neighborhood at Rawls Creek Park. This all-ages skateboarding contest attracted hundreds of spectators and showcased the skills of 71 participants from 20 states, ranging from Texas to Maine. The event marked a significant milestone, as it served as the official grand opening for the skate park, which has generated positive attention since its soft opening last fall.
The skate park covers an impressive 8,500 square feet, designed to cater to skateboarders of all skill levels. The park features a variety of obstacles, from beginner to advanced, allowing both new and experienced riders to enjoy the facilities. Organizers have expressed their commitment to creating an environment that appeals to younger skateboarders, thereby promoting inclusivity in the sport.
Marie Ryan, a key organizer for the park, has observed a daily usage of between 50 to 100 individuals. This summer will present the first opportunity for local students involved in a school skateboarding program, taught by Julia Robinson, to utilize the new park. Previously, these students had to travel to different locations or practice on a small ramp at a church. The growing community interest was emphasized by Alonzo Johnson, pastor at Universal Outreach, noting that their events attracted 150 kids, showcasing the local support for the park.
Following the Boardr event, three skateboarders from North Carolina returned to Irmo, praising the park’s layout and the natural shade provided by nearby trees. Mayor Bill Danielson has announced plans for the Boardr event to become an annual occurrence, with the next competition scheduled for next March, which signifies the town’s dedication to fostering a vibrant skateboarding culture.
The skate park is not only a recreational space but also brings economic benefits to the local community as visitors often stay in nearby hotels and dine at local restaurants during events. David Toole, owner of Bluetile Skateboards, highlighted the rapid development of the park, which was completed within just a couple of years. The park was designed by specialized designers 5th Pocket at a cost of $380,000. The development was supported by hospitality tax dollars, which were utilized to fund design and related resources.
To ensure a memorable experience for participants at the Boardr event, Toole contributed a hundred skateboards as gifts for the contestants. The accessible design of the skate park, with both beginner and advanced features, encourages participation from a wide variety of skateboarders. Mayor Danielson noted the frequent use of the park, as riders can regularly be seen enjoying its amenities, which contribute to a thriving activity scene in Irmo.
Overall, the successful execution of the Boardr series at Irmo’s new skate park illustrates the growing interest in skateboarding within the community and the promising future of the park as a central hub for both recreational and competitive skateboarding activities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Irmo Town Administrator Courtney Dennis Resigns
Rawls Creek Park Restrooms Closed for Repairs After Vandalism
Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Skateboarding
- Columbia Star
- Google Search: Irmo skate park
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Skateboarding
- WLTX
- Google News: Irmo skate park
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
