Only a few months after construction began, Hillsborough’s new skate spot is able to get worn in by skateboarders.
The town government shared on Tuesday the latest amenity to the community and Cates Creek Park is open for use. The opening culminates several years of planning and work for Hillsborough’s first skateboarding facility, with the final design and construction done by the 5th Pocket Skateparks company. Construction on the project, which borders part of the park’s multi-use athletic field, began in May.
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell told 97.9 The Hill that within hours of it being finished, the skate spot — the term used for a miniature skate park — was already attracting community members.
“We will do an official grand opening on September 28,” said Bell, “but the park is complete, it is ready for business — and I’m told that as soon as it was done, there were, like, ten skaters out there immediately.”
5th Pocket’s design includes a mix of quarter pipes, ledges, ramps and grind rails for skaters to use for tricks. Additionally, the park includes a ceramic mosaic along the backside of a larger quarter pipe that features native wildflowers and pollinators, which Bell described as a “very Hillsborough kind of thing to do.” The artwork was done by Peyton Flynn of Cloud 9 Clay.
Photo via 5th Pocket Skateparks.
Photo via 5th Pocket Skateparks.
The grand opening in September will represent a broader chance to celebrate the local skating community, with the town saying vendors and skating demonstrations will be part of the festivities. More details are set to be shared closer to the ceremony.
But, as Bell said on Tuesday, the area around the skate park is not entirely finished. Both the mayor and the local government urged skaters and visitors to the new amenity to be cautious and aware of ongoing sidewalk work.
“There’s still a little bit more site work to do to connect the skate spot to the parking lot there,” said Bell. “So, there’s still some work going on, but the surfaces are complete for the skate spot.”
Beyond caution around the path being built, the local government requires skate spot users to be wearing helmets and pads, and anyone under the age of 12 must be supervised by a parent of guardian.
The Town of Hillsborough’s hours for Cates Creek Park and the new skate spot are 7 a.m. to 30 minutes past sunset each day. More information about the skating amenity, including what activities and items are prohibited, can be found on the town’s website.
Featured photo via 5th Pocket Skateparks.
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