New Port Huron skatepark to open May 20 with ribbon cutting ceremony

The Port Huron Parks & Recreation Department is excited to announce the grand opening of the new Optimist Park Skatepark with a ribbon cutting celebration on Saturday, May 20 at 10:00am.

The event kicks off with a ribbon cutting and presentations with demonstrations to follow. The event will take place at Optimist Park located at 1400 Whipple Street in Port Huron.

The Optimist Skatepark is the culmination of a multi-year collaborative effort to create a permanent park feature that accommodates skaters of all ages and skill levels. This new skatepark is a regional draw, inviting opportunities for beginners and skilled skaters, young and old, to perfect their craft, share their techniques, and host competitions showcasing Port Huron and the surrounding Blue Water Area.

“We are so grateful to our partners and donors who made this skatepark possible,” stated Parks & Recreation Director Nancy Winzer. “It was amazing to see the skate community come together to go after the challenge grant. Their hard work to match the grant dollars created this opportunity and provided something great for our community.”

The skatepark was made possible with support from The Skatepark Project, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, Community Foundation of St. Clair County, Michigan DNR Land & Water Conservation Fund, St. Clair County Parks & Recreation, multiple business and private donors, and the grassroots efforts of the local community through the skatepark advisory board.

“We are thrilled that the Port Huron community will have the Optimist Skatepark as a place to socialize, get exercise, and play outside for generations to come,” said Benjamin Anderson Bashein, Executive Director of The Skatepark Project. “Skateboarding has changed the lives of so many, and provides amazing opportunities to work through challenges and connect with a diverse group of people. Optimist was created with skaters of all ages and abilities in mind, and we are proud to support this inclusive community skatepark.”

“We are happy to have participated in the creation of the Optimist Skatepark in Port Huron through our Built to Play initiative. Youth driven, action sports like skateboarding provide young people with more opportunity to be active and socially engaged, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity for all,” said Jim Boyle, VP of Programs and Communications at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “This skatepark is a shining example of what can be accomplished when a community comes together to invest in youth sports and recreation. We are proud to have worked with the experts at The Skatepark Project and the local skate community to bring this park to life, and we look forward to how the newest addition to Port Huron positively impacts the city and region.”