Herndon Mayor Steve DeBenedittis, members of the Town Council, the town's parks and recreation staff and many volunteers greeted a large crowd of skaters and bikers at the ribbon cutting of Herndon's new skatepark at Trailside Park on Saturday.

The event included a ceremony where all who helped bring the project to fruition were thanked and acknowledged. The project began in 2005 when the town became aware there was a need for more amenities that targeted youth.

The town was able to find proffer money to fund the project and worked with many community volunteers to find a location where it would not take away from other amenities. Construction on the project began in the spring and finished earlier this week.

Skaters go to enjoy the first day of the open facility, cake and refreshments, and live music by Go. The new skatepark includes rails, ramps, obstacles and a bowl. Free T-shirts were given out to the first 200 skaters to attend.

Seattle-based Grindline designed the 4,200-square-foot park after a series of meetings with area skaters to gather input on what they would like to see. The park was constructed by Hammerhead Construction. Virginia Paving donated services to help relocate the volleyball court that previously exited where the skatepark was built.

The skatepark at Trailside Park is now open for use from dawn to dusk, daily.

Skatepark Rules

1. All Town and park regulations apply.
  
2. Use of the park and skate park after dark is trespassing.  

3. All patrons are required to wear helmets and closed-toed shoes. 

4. Additional protective equipment is recommended.  

5. No scooters allowed. Bicycles must have their pegs removed or taped. 

6. No unauthorized ramps, modifications or obstacles are allowed. 

7. Any infractions of the rules may result in loss of privileges to use the park.

8. Use at your own risk. Weather conditions may create unsafe surfaces for users. 

9. Every skater is expected to act in a manner that protects their personal safety as well as the safety of other park users. 

10. Respect shall be shown for all park users.
 
11. Please keep your skate park clean and safe. Dispose of all trash properly.

The Skate park is operated by the Town of Herndon Parks & Recreation Department. For information, call 703-787-7300.