I met a professional skater recently - Grant Taylor. He is married to my neighbor's daughter and they were visiting from Atlanta. We all had dinner together and the usual questions came up with people you are just meeting. I asked what he did for a living. He replied he was a professional skateboarder. I have to admit, it was pretty cool to meet someone who skateboarded for a living as a member of the Nike team.
At the time, I was only aware of one skate park in the New Orleans area, Parisite DIY Skatepark in New Orleans.Â
Now, there is great news for local skaters...a brand new place to skate!
Kenner first recreational skate park, the Wentwood Skate Plaza, is now open! It is one of just a handful of skate parks in the metropolitan area and the first in Jefferson Parish.
The 2,400-square-foot facility includes steps and ramps for skaters and is designed to provide a safe venue for this increasingly popular sport. The skate plaza was built by Gottfried Construction at an approximate cost of $350,000. At this time, the skate park will open at 10 a.m. daily until dusk. Park hours may be adjusted as lighting is added in the future. Children under the age of 12 must be supervised.
According to a website dedicated to skate parks in the state, the Wentwood Skate Plaza joins several similar parks located in the region. According to the Tony Hawk Foundation, there were about 4,000 skate parks in the country as of 2016.
Kenner Mayor Ben Zahn said the Kenner facility is another example of the commitment to recreation by boththe city and 5th District Councilman Dominick Impastato.
recreation for his constituents is evident throughout the district, and particularly with this new skate park. The
timely opening for our youth to have another recreational attraction with summer right around the corner is
perfect for all Kenner residents to enjoy.â
âThis project represents our continued commitment to adapt to the needs of our community -- most
importantly the kids in our community,â Impastato said. âThis state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in
Jefferson Parish and provides a modern vehicle for recreation that is currently in great demand by the youth
of today.â
Other skate parks in the area:
The Compound Ramp Park in Harvey, La
Parisite DIY Skatepark in New Orleans, LA
Pelican Park Skate Park in Mandeville, LA
Hammond's Dreamland Skate Park in Hammond, LA
