By Matt Conti
Boston and Cambridge finally have a public skatepark. After 15 years of planning and construction, the Lynch Family Skatepark opened on Saturday, November 14th with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. The unique location of the long-awaited $3 million Charles River skatepark is next to the North Point Park under ramps for the Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge, between the cities of Boston and Cambridge (technically in East Cambridge). It is also adjacent to the North Bank Bridge, the newly constructed pedestrian bridge connecting North Point Park to Paul Revere Park in Charlestown.
The project was spearheaded by the non-profit Charles River Conservancy, in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) along with major funding support from the Lynch Foundation, the Vans Company and hundreds more. The skatepark was constructed by ValleyCrest Landscape Developers and designed by Stantec. The public skatepark will be managed by DCR with a commitment of maintenance funding by Vans.
Master of Ceremonies and skateboarding pro Andy MacDonald hosted the event with speakers including Mayor of Boston Martin Walsh, Vans Vice President of Events Steve Van Doren, Peter Lynch, Conservancy President Renata von Tscharner, Senator Sal DiDomenico and State Representative Tim Toomey. Also on hand for the opening were professional skateboarders, Tony Alva and Ray Barbee.
The 40,000 square foot skatepark features multiple elements, including street, transition and several bowls up to 11 1/2 feet deep. The “wheel-friendly†park is designed to accommodate skateboarders, BMX riders, and inline skaters and will include access around the skate plaza for spectators who wish to watch the athletes in action. The skatepark design also includes replica features of unique skate areas throughout greater Boston to acknowledge local lore and pay homage to Boston’s skating community.