LAURIDSEN SKATEPARK CERTIFICATION CEREMONY
Des Moines, Iowa - On Sunday, October 29, 2023, USA Skateboarding and Catch DSM celebrate in the success of the Certification and Plaque Unveiling. The event, held at Lauridsen Skatepark in Des Moines, was a testament to the strong bonds formed and the enthusiasm surrounding skateboarding in the city.
The day opened with the unveiling of the Certification Plaque, setting the tone for the occasion. Speakers, including Angela Connolly, Polk County Board of Supervisors; Trina Flack, Catch Des Moines; and Johnny Schillereff, President and CEO of USA Skateboarding, shared their insights and perspectives, underscoring the significance of this event.
"We are super excited to be a part of the Des Moines Community and be involved with the skate park. I believe this is one of the greatest skate parks on the planet and it is also one of the greatest skateboarding communities. I've been happy to be involved with this community, and I think it's absolutely incredible how the skateboarding community and the city have come together to create a safe and beautiful place for kids to skate, for families to come and USA skateboarding to certify this park." said CEO of USA Skateboarding, Johnny Schillereff.
Despite challenging weather conditions, with temperatures hovering in the 30s and an absence of sunshine, the local skaters of Des Moines demonstrated unwavering dedication by turning out in full force. This display of commitment underscored the remarkable cohesion and organization of the Des Moines skate scene.
National Team riders, Liam Pace and Grace Marhoefer, were actively engaged with young participants, distributed products, and conducted autograph signings, fostering a sense of connection with the community.
"Once you get off the plane, you can actually skateboard everywhere in the city, which is really exciting. This park was really a dream of so many years ago. Someone approached a couple of elected officials, like myself and said "look, we got skateboarders and we've got a lot of kids in our community and they really want a park" we have little dinky ones in our community but nothing like we can imagine here today. " said Polk County Supervisor, Angela Connolly.
This memorable event symbolizes the continued growth and strength of the skateboarding community in Des Moines and the invaluable partnership between USA Skateboarding and its local supporters. As we look to the future, the certification plaque proudly displayed serves as a beacon of unity and commitment to the sport of skateboarding in Des Moines.
"It was a missing gap in the community. We opened up the state park and it really changed the vibe a lot, within the downtown footprint it brought a unique expression of art. Every day we get another call from someone that's excited to express themselves in some other way artistically and through skateboarding." said Deputy Director Polk County Iowa, Kam Rankin.
Media Recap:
- Axios - https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/10/25/lauridsen-skatepark-certification-iowa-olympics
- KCCI - https://www.kcci.com/article/iowa-des-moines-lauridsen-skatepark-nationally-certified-competition-ready-park/45675754
- Des Moines Register - https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/2023/10/29/lauridsen-skatepark-becomes-certified-as-a-competition-ready-park-by-usa-skateboarding/71373300007/
- KCAU - https://www.siouxlandproud.com/video/lauridsen-skatepark-receives-national-certification/9126123/
- Business Record - https://www.businessrecord.com/lauridsen-skatepark-to-be-certified-as-competition-ready-park-at-sunday-event/
- Lazer 103.3 - https://lazer1033.com/mornings/lauridson-skate-park-is-now-certified-awesome/
