Josh Cremeans of Milton makes a picture perfect landing at Hurricane’s Skatepark Celebration.
A large crowd turned out for the Hurricane Skatepark Celebration on Saturday, August 19th. It was a time for youngsters of all ages to test and demonstrate their skateboard and scooter skills on the recently completed $950,000 skatepark.
The park is equipped with LED lighting and will be open to visitors at all hours, day and night. The project was made possible because Mayor Scott Edwards followed up on a request by Nate Giertz, a HHS Student who, as a 7th grader, wrote the initial email that re-invigorated a discussion about building a new skatepark. Aaron Anderson, a community member who has skated at numerous skateparks around the country helped the city work with Grindline Skateparks to develop the Hurricane Skatepark design. Jonathan Gillispie, City of Hurricane Street Department Manager, along with a team of other City employees, worked very hard and many long hours in preparing and finishing the site.
As a lead-up to the celebration, the City hosted a “Film your best trick” on social media where people shared their best. The best videos were used to promote to the event and the video producers were awarded cash prizes. To be a winner, the video submitter had to be present to win. First place winner Tanner Foster was present to claim his $100 prize. Joshua Cremeans was awarded second place money of $50 because he was present. No third place money was awarded because would be winners were not in attendance.
Wheelbilly Bikes of Hurricane gave away 2 scooters, 2 skateboard and 4 helmets. New Horizons Therapy gave the City a skateboard valued at $200 which was awarded to a drawing winner. Grindline Skateparks provided t-shirts and a skateboard repair tool which were given to drawing winners. That Bryant Bunch from the Milton Flea Market donated skateboard decks and grip tape to be given away. The City of Hurricane also gave sweatshirts, goodie bags and a cooler bag to drawing winners. The City also gave Grindline stickers, Hurricane Skatepark stickers and frisbees to everyone.
In addition to all these freebies, there was free ice cream provided by event sponsor T.J. Morris of Morris Insurance Agency. Music was provided by Djjazzyjc and a Twisted Grille food truck was present for the hungry.
