A SKATEBOARDING OASIS IN THE S.F. VALLEY

Dedication of the Paul Rodriguez Skate Park

Pacoima - Young skaters were already lining up at Ritchie Valens Recreation Center at 7 a.m. on Sunday, June 21. The festivities for the grand opening of the Paul Rodriguez Skate Park did not start until 12 p.m. but hundreds of skateboarding fans were ready four hours in advance.

When Professional Skateboarder Paul "P-Rod" Rodriguez, Jr. and the NIKE SkateBoarding (SB) Team rolled in, there was over 600 people waiting to greet them. P-Rod brought a special guest with him, his father, comedian and actor Paul Rodriguez who emceed the event which featured music, refreshments and demonstrations by P-Rod and the NIKE SB Team.

Constructed in an area of the San Fernando Valley near where P-Rod grew up, the skate park has an innovative and unique design. The park features replicas of famous Southern California skate spots like the Griffith Park run-off ditch and Sylmar rails. The park has no fences or traditional skate park elements, just natural, skateable architecture.

The new skate park is part of a partnership between the Department of Recreation and Parks, Professional Skateboarder Paul "P-Rod" Rodriguez, Jr., LA84 Foundation and NIKE. The park was designed by P-Rod, Professional Skateboarder Lance Mountain and Joe Ciaglia. California Skateparks built the project which was funded by NIKE and LA84's "Let Me Play" program.

The new skateboarding spot is the ninth skate facility run by the Department of Recreation and Parks. The Paul Rodriguez Skate Park is located within Ritchie Valens Recreation Center at 10731 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Pacoima 91331. For more information on this location or the Department, please visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 202-2700.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694