To the delight of skateboarders, and after a long wait, a ground-breaking ceremony has been held for Phase 1 of the new skatepark.
The event was Wednesday at the site, at 921 South Park Drive.
Phase 1 of the park will include approximately 5,400 square feet of concrete skating surface, the first section of the fencing, parking, trash cans and signs.
Construction is expected to be finished in late November or early December.
Then, city officials will submit a Community Parks and Playgrounds grant application to the Department of Natural Resources to fund Phase 2.
Meantime, fund raising continues for Phase 2, with the next event at Third Friday, Aug. 21.
Tony Weeg Photography will host the 2015 Salisbury Skate Deck Art Show at 5 p.m. at 115 West Main St. on the Downtown Plaza.
At 8:30 p.m., a benefit concert will be at Headquarters Live.
“I am so thrilled that we are finally ready to begin construction on this long-awaited facility,” said Deborah Stam, the city’s community development director.
“The Salisbury Skatepark Committee members and I have been working toward the realization of this goal for eight long years, and now all our hard work and determination is coming to fruition.
“The Salisbury Skatepark will enhance the quality of life for our local residents by providing a new, positive outlet for the energy and exuberance of the community’s youth. I want to thank the mayor and council for supporting the creation of this very important addition to our recreational amenities,” Stam said.