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Dec. 28, 2023
Contact: Dominique Shank, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, 614-512-0049 (cell)
Iconic Dodge Skatepark Gets a Facelift
COLUMBUS – Dodge Skatepark recently underwent a rejuvenation and has reopened to the public following essential repairs.
Designed by Frank Hawk, father of the legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk, the iconic skatepark holds historical significance as the first public skatepark in a City where skateboarding was once outlawed in most public places. Today, it continues to be heavily frequented by residents and remains a popular destination for skateboarders nationwide.
As a well-used amenity that was 30-years-old, Dodge Skatepark needed an immediate restoration. Columbus Recreation and Parks Department teamed with California Skateparks to temporarily restore the skatepark, all while honoring the park’s historical design. The improvements ultimately increase safety and improve the experience for users.
Looking ahead, the department is committed to redeveloping the skatepark to ensure its enjoyment for the next 30 years. The department is planning for the long-term redevelopment of the skatepark, which would include enhancements and expansion. To ensure that these efforts align with community needs, public input has been actively sought through a survey and online open house conducted in summer 2023. Anticipated to begin in 2028, this project reflects a long-term commitment to sustaining the vibrancy of the skatepark.
"We know it’s important to have a wide variety of amenities available for residents to engage in healthy activities. Skateparks are a great way for people to get outside and be active," said Bernita A. Reese, M.S., CPRP, director of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. "I'm excited we are able to honor the history of this iconic skatepark well into the future."
Dodge Skatepark is located at 667 Sullivant Ave., 43215. Learn more about all Columbus Recreation and Parks Department's skateparks.
Media Availability: Interview Opportunities
Several individuals who were involved in the project are available to talk about the renovations to an future plans for Dodge Skatepark. Additionally, media assets are available for use.
- Kelly Messer is available to talk about the project in general and what is next for Dodge Park. Kelly is a project manager for the department’s Design and Construction division. She also managed the design and construction for Tuttle Skatepark in 2022.
- Bill Minadeo is available to talk about the history of Dodge Skatepark and the specifics behind the design for the improvement. Bill is the project manager from California Skateparks, the company who designed and built the renovations. Bill is also a Columbus native and participated in the original design and construction of the skatepark when he was a landscape architecture student at The Ohio State University.
- Donny Humes is available to talk about the history of Dodge Skatepark and provide insight from a local skater perspective. Donny used to work at Dodge Community Center and teach skate lessons when the skatepark was originally built. He also organized a successful fundraising event to help raise money for the recent skatepark renovation.
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