Demonstrations and giveaways are planned to celebrate the opening of the Hermiston Skatepark on Saturday, May 11.

HERMISTON — Hermiston is ready to welcome everyone to the Hermiston Skatepark with an official grand opening.

At 1 p.m. on May 11, Hermiston Parks and Recreation is celebrating the Hermiston Skatepark with a ribbon cutting and “skatefest” of demonstrations and giveaways. Hermiston Parks and Recreation Director Brandon Artz said they are encouraging people to come to ready to skate at the grand opening.

“People can bring their boards, come show off what they can do,” Artz said.

Newly completed, the Hermiston Skate Park at 345 S. First St. is a project that has been in the works for 14 years. After more than a decade of work, and a construction setback during the COVID-19 pandemic, the skatepark broke ground in June 2023.

“There’s a large skating community here, and we’re excited to be able to finally present this to them,” Artz said. “We opened April 1, and the park is being used every day.”

Designed by California Skateparks, the park was planned to have something for skaters of all skill levels to enjoy, from those who are just starting out to advanced skaters. In addition to transition-based features — bowls, quarter pipes, and ramps — the streetscape design includes features that mimic stairs, benches, curbs, and railings found on city streets.

“Most places, skating is prohibited, so to have these features really gives people a chance to practice and skate on the types of materials they usually can’t,” Artz said.

The 7,500 square-foot skatepark features a new restroom facility and is ADA accessible. Artz said they plan to continue adding additional features, including a climbing rock and parkour elements, in the future as the budget allows. The current phase one of the project was funded 50% through community-raised dollars and 50% through Land & Water Conservation grants from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Learn more about the Hermiston Skatepark, the grand opening, and other plans on either the Facebook page for Hermiston Skatepark or on the Hermiston Parks and Recreation website at hermiston.gov/parksrec.