Berkeley Skate Park's Grand Opening Is This Saturday

Although Berkeley's new skate park has been open for several weeks, the official ribbon-cutting will be held this Saturday.

The free event will feature many professional scooter and BMX riders on sight, doing tricks and stunts. The event is free and open to the public, said Recreation Department spokesperson Debbi Winogracki.

The skate park is tailored for BMX riders, skateboarders, scooter riders and inline skaters. The park is designed in phases, with a beginner’s course on one side, intermediate in the middle, and an advanced course on the other side. This will allow beginners to learn how to fully use the park.

As people improve, they can move onto other parts of the park, which allows for a great flow for the riders. They can also go from one part of the park to another, all in one run, according to a post on the township's Facebook page.

The skate park is located by the playground at Veterans Park, 489 Forest Hills Parkway in Bayville.

The $266,500 facility comes with a 20-year warranty. It was paid for through unexpended funds in old bond ordinances, Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. said.

"As you know, our primary focus was rebuilding after the devastation of Super Storm Sandy," Amato has said. "We still have work to do, no doubt. However, the time is now to revisit projects that were placed on the back burner due to Sandy. The skate park was one of them.""

The skate park will be a unique feature in Ocean County, Township Councilman Angelo Guadagno said.

“We wanted a park that would attract a lot of people, and this park does just that," he said.

Image: Berkeley Township