The elements of freestyle: Skatepark takes shape

“It's well under way,” Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon said, as Artisan Skateparks of Kitty Hawk constructs the elements which will make up the park located at T.J. Davis Recreation Center.

“We're very excited,” said Andy Duck of Artisan. “You're going to start seeing skateboard tourism.”

The skatepark is slated for a spring opening Simeon said, although a specific month has not been chosen because of the unpredictability of late winter and early spring weather.

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That construction of the elements are now under way, Simeon said, shows how the project has progressed from a nugget when discussions of a recreation master plan were being held throughout the county to the actual groundbreaking for the facility.

“It started in an open meeting where local parents and children came out to discuss bringing a skatepark to Roanoke Rapids. From there a committee was formed and we raised approximately $25,000 from the community.”

From that support came help from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. “To have as much public input and support, I think, is really phenomenal. It's nice to see all of the efforts of the community and city staff working together.”