New GND Skatepark Nears Completion

GARY-NEW DULUTH Minn.– A new 1.8-million-dollar skatepark is about to open in Gary New Duluth.

This has been a project 10 years in the making. From fundraising, to planning, and now building. Grindline Skateparks out of Washington state is constructing the project.

They’re a team of skateboarders, trained in concrete craftsmanship. For one of the builders, being involved in the sport, and the construction is a rewarding experience.

“It’s special, in a lot of ways. Especially this one, all the community involvement, engagement. How stoked everyone is in this town,” said Shane Gilmore, a foreman for Grindline Skateparks.

The skatepark is part of the Gary-New Duluth rec center. Organizers say the goal of this latest addition is a safe place for expert skateboarders, all the way down to people learning the sport.

“As I’ve heard the skate park builders say, it’s a fast park. You’ll be able to go from one side to the other and you’re not going to have to be pumping!” said Mark Boben, the President of GND Alliance. “We do have some areas that aren’t quite as challenging for those skateboarders who aren’t quite as experienced.”

The Gary-New Duluth alliance hopes the new skatepark will attract not only Duluthians, but skaters from outside the area. The goal is to be open as soon as Labor Day weekend.