Fairview Skatepark has reopened with a new look inspired by input from professional skaters and Bloomington-Normal community members.
The skatepark originally opened in 2002 and closed in October for renovations at Fairview Park.
Normal Mayor Chris Koos said the old skatepark was worn out and this project has been a couple of years in the making.
Design
“I think we got a little bit of everything here,” Koos said at Tuesday's reopening. “I think it's really, really well designed.”
Some local skaters at the skatepark reopening event also were pleased with the new design.
Albion Stafford of Normal said the town reached out to him for input on the design, adding it is s a huge improvement from the former skatepark.
“This will last a really long time,” Stafford said. “It's a beautiful park, the layout is impressive.”
Several skaters said the former park had asphalt that is not as ideal to skate on compared with the new concrete layout.
Bloomington resident Max Danosky said, “We really appreciate that it's all concrete, that makes a big difference.”
He added that he imagined it is similar to playing golf on artificial turf versus real green — the texture can make the experience better.
Skating community
Danosky said now that the skatepark has reopened, he wants to see more aspects of skateboarding around town, which is already happening.
A skate shop, Crib to Crib Skateboarding Co., moved from California to Bloomington in June.
“It's been great, and the community has fully showed up,” said shop owner Jennings Hanna. “Pretty much everybody at this park has come into my shop at this point.”
Hanna said he was talking with some of the younger skaters at the reopening event about skating for his shop in the near future. He would provide them with decks in exchange for sponsorship agreements.
“This is my way of sort of paying it forward, continuing to be in this community,” Hanna said.
The reopened Fairview Skatepark is intended for all ages and skill levels. Bikes and scooters are welcome, too.
