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Skaters Rejoice at Opening of Lynch Family Skatepark [Photos]

Vans gave out skateboard awards

Boston and Cambridge finally have a public skatepark. After 15 years of planning and construction, the Lynch Family Skatepark opened on Saturday, November 14th with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. The unique location of the long-awaited $3 million Charles River skatepark is next to the North Point Park under ramps for the Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge, between the cities of Boston and Cambridge (technically in East Cambridge). It is also adjacent to the North Bank Bridge, the newly constructed pedestrian bridge connecting North Point Park to Paul Revere Park in Charlestown.

The project was spearheaded by the non-profit Charles River Conservancy, in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) along with major funding support from the Lynch Foundation, the Vans Company and hundreds more. The skatepark was constructed by ValleyCrest Landscape Developers and designed by Stantec. The public skatepark will be managed by DCR with a commitment of maintenance funding by Vans.

Master of Ceremonies and skateboarding pro Andy MacDonald hosted the event with speakers including Mayor of Boston Martin Walsh, Vans Vice President of Events Steve Van Doren, Peter Lynch, Conservancy President Renata von Tscharner, Senator Sal DiDomenico and State Representative Tim Toomey. Also on hand for the opening were professional skateboarders, Tony Alva and Ray Barbee.

The 40,000 square foot skatepark features multiple elements, including street, transition and several bowls up to 11 1/2 feet deep. The “wheel-friendly” park is designed to accommodate skateboarders, BMX riders, and inline skaters and will include access around the skate plaza for spectators who wish to watch the athletes in action. The skatepark design also includes replica features of unique skate areas throughout greater Boston to acknowledge local lore and pay homage to Boston’s skating community. Shown here are some photos from the ceremonies and the grand opening of the skatepark. An animated 3d rendering can also be viewed here.

 Skaters of all stripes came for skatepark opening
Skaters of all stripes came for skatepark opening
 Anxious skateboarders waiting for the park to open
Anxious skateboarders waiting for the park to open
 Peter Lynch and Family helped fund the skakepark
Peter Lynch and Family helped fund the skakepark

 Cutting the ribbon on the new skatepark
Cutting the ribbon on the new skatepark
 Professional skateboarder Tony Alva
Professional skateboarder Tony Alva
 Stunt skateboarding at North Point Park
Stunt skateboarding at North Point Park
 Charles River Conservancy President Renata von Tscharner speaks at the opening
Charles River Conservancy President Renata von Tscharner speaks at the opening
 Sitting on one of the skatepark elements during the ceremonies
Sitting on one of the skatepark elements during the ceremonies
 Boston Mayor Marty Walsh speaks at the opening next to Conservancy President Renata von Tscharner
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh speaks at the opening next to Conservancy President Renata von Tscharner
 Boston Landmarks Orchestra provided music at the skatepark opening
Boston Landmarks Orchestra provided music at the skatepark opening
 Vans gave out skateboard awards
Vans gave out skateboard awards
 Initial rush of skaters at the opening of the park
Initial rush of skaters at the opening of the park
 Andy MacDonald, local skateboarding pro, hosted the opening
Andy MacDonald, local skateboarding pro, hosted the opening
 Crowd gathers at the edge of the skatepark
Crowd gathers at the edge of the skatepark
 Officials speak at Skatepark Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting
Officials speak at Skatepark Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting
 The skatepark is located under ramps to the Zakim Bridge, adjacent to North Point Park
The skatepark is located under ramps to the Zakim Bridge, adjacent to North Point Park

Photos by Matt Conti.

2 Replies to “Skaters Rejoice at Opening of Lynch Family Skatepark [Photos]

  1. This is great. I have been following the status / progress of this skatepark for many years. Skaters are far too often told where they are NOT allowed to skate, rather than where they ARE allowed to skate. Thanks to all of the interested parties who finally made this skatepark come to fruition.

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