Downtown skatepark rolling toward fall completion
The Lauridsen Skatepark in downtown Des Moines is on track to be finished this fall, according to Angela Connolly, a member of the Polk County Board of Supervisors and member of the skatepark fundraising committee. Spring construction began April 1, and so far nearly 30% of the work has been completed, including site grading, the majority of site utilities and construction of concrete retaining walls. Once it’s finished, it will be the largest skatepark in the country. “We are pleased to see this project continue to move forward and are thankful to all the partners and funders who stepped up to put us in a position to continue full steam ahead heading into construction season,” Connolly said in a news release. “This project is an example of what we can accomplish when we work together with a common vision and goal.” The project is adjacent to the Principal Riverwalk between Second Avenue and the Des Moines River. The 88,000-square-foot skatepark, built on 5 acres of land, will be able to host national and international competitions. Organizers previously announced the successful completion of a $6.3 million fundraising campaign for the project.