Skaters Will Be Stoked For New Sands Springs Park

By Tara Vreeland, News On 6

SAND SPRINGS, Oklahoma -- Sand Springs will have a nice Christmas gift for skate boarders. The city is a skate park and it should be ready in time for the holidays.

A different type of concrete jungle. One filled with half-pipes and tombstones. A skater's perfect terrain.

"It's all about the riding surface. Just like we can appreciate a really good road, skaters can really appreciate a really smooth riding surface," said Sand Springs Parks and Rec Director Grant Gerondale.

Colorado based designer, Native Skateparks, worked with the wants of the skating community, from curbs and stairs to ramps and rails, all are included in the 6,000 square foot concrete park. Which doubles as a retention pond.

"Each are designed to oppose one another in a manner of where you stand there, pick a line, make your approach and ride it through and maybe never even put your foot down... which is like nirvana to a skater," said Greg Mize of Native Skateparks LLC

The project was kick started with an anonymous donation of $50,000. The rest of the $125,000 price tag was taken care of through fundraising which includes a $5,000 boost from the foundation of legendary skate boarder Tony Hawk.

"This on the end, your gap, separates the men from the boys. You have to fly. You have to be able to land. Those nuances separate a quality park from really just a park," Mize said.

The skate park will be ready by Christmas. A grand opening and competition are planned for the spring.