DETROIT, Mich. (WXYZ) — In addition to new basketball courts and soccer fields, Riverside Park in southwest Detroit now has its own skateboard park.
The 15,000 square foot skateboard park is the newest change to the park in result of a multi-year revitalization by the city of Detroit. Funding for the $800,000 addition came from the city of Detroit, along with the Tony Hawk Foundation and Ralph C. Wilson Foundation's Build to Play initiative.
“If we want our children to be more active in our communities, they need more safe and accessible places to play. Skateparks are a great solution and they’re what kids are asking for in our region,” Jim Boyle, Vice President of Programs and Communications of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, said.
The city plans to complete work on a picnic shelter, beach playground and splash pad next spring. Next summer, the city of Detroit is set to begin work on more renovations including a walking track, amphitheater and large playground. Improvements to the park are expected to cost 13.2 million. Along with funding from the city of Detroit, improvements have been funded by Detroit International Bridge Company. The city expects all work to be finished in 2021.
Aside from the skateboard park, currently complete renovations include a softball field, dog park, basketball court and picnic shelters.
The park's official opening is this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Professional skateboarders will be there for skateboarding clinics and demonstrations. Other activities include basketball, soccer and a dog day spa.
