Skate park is officially open

Ollies, kickflips, bar spins, and grinds were on display as area skaters and bike riders participated in the grand opening session at Oregon's Skate Park.

Some of the spectators at the grand opening Sept. 8 did not know what tricks the riders were demonstrating, but the skaters were willing to talk about that.

Randy O'Brian, Oregon, was testing out the railings at the park by doing some 5-0 grinds.

"The 5-0 is where you ollie then grind on the rear truck of the board and the front is in the air," said O'Brian.

He explained that the truck is the skateboard axle, an ollie is a jump, and the trick can be done on any railing in the park.

During a grind, the hard truck is in contact with a hand rail, bench edge, or any other smooth surface, and the skate boarder maintains their balance before landing on the ground to continue skating.

O'Brian was thrilled with having the skate park in Oregon.

"This is a place to go where we don't get yelled at," he said. "This is a good place to learn new tricks."

Another rider trying out the new park was Alec Rutherford, Oregon.

Rutherford prefers to do tricks with his bike.  While the park was not designed for bike riders, the small quarter pipe ramp was popular with the bike riders at the grand opening.

"I have been doing tricks for as long as I could ride a bike," he said. "I like that this park is a street plaza. It's what I do."

Jake Wetch, 17, Mt. Morris was trying out the park with his inline skates.

"I like the quarter pipe at the skate plaza," said Wetch. "My favorite trick is a front side air but I enjoy all tricks."

When doing the front side air, Wetch launches off the ramp and grabs his toes while in the air. He has been skating for nine years.

The Oregon Park District invited the local skate shop to participate in the grand opening.

The Oregon Sk8 Shop is owned by John Robert Bowers.

"Skateboarding is the third most popular sport," said Bowers. "It gets kids off the couch."

Bowers brought a selection of boards, trucks, and wheels to the park to sell and educate people about skating.

"The shop will benefit from having this nice park in town," said Bowers.

During the grand opening, more than 50 skaters tried out the park.

Oregon Park District Director Jim Coutts was thrilled with the turnout.

"I was not surprised with the turnout," said Coutts. "We have had a steady steam of kids at the park."

The courtesy the skaters were showing was interesting to Coutts.

"These skaters are being respectful," said Coutts. "They are taking turns and helping each other. They all agreed to work with us. The skaters are good kids."

Having the skate park in town provides a place for skaters to hone their skills.

"The skaters are playing to the crowd," said Coutts. "This is an avenue to show off their skills.  This also provides an opportunity to do something they enjoy."

Spohn Ranch, Industry, Calif. designed and built the skate park.

The Oregon Park District held an open house before the park was designed to get the input from local skaters about what they would like to see in the park.

Coutts said the park was built for the skaters.