Grand opening of skate park is July 15

The Daily Inter Lake

Skateboard enthusiasts can celebrate in grand style at the grand opening of the David Olseth Memorial Skatepark in Whitefish.

A bash from noon to 5 p.m. July 15 will feature live music, skateboard-team demonstrations and exhibition skateboarding.

I-45, a Houston rap group, and California punk rockers Reason II Rebel, will play during the opening. Several years ago, I-45 helped the Whitefish Skateboard Association raise the first $4,000 for the Whitefish skate park, association president Pam Robinson said.

A professional skate team from Hawaii will be among the performers. Spirit Skate Shop of Kalispell also has skaters lined up to perform. Food by Quickee Sandwich Shop and Amazing Crepes will be available on the grounds.

The 15,000-square-foot skate park opened this spring at Armory Park on the east side of Whitefish. It took nearly 10 years to raise the $400,000 needed to build the park.

From rails and stairs to deep bowls, it offers something for nearly every level of rider. Built by Dreamland Skateparks of Lincoln City, Ore., the park features an expert-level bowl with old-style concrete coping, an intermediate bowl and an extensive street course.