News Summary
Irmo, South Carolina has opened the Friarsgate Skate Park, quickly becoming a hotspot for local skaters and visitors. With a diverse range of features, the park attracts both beginners and advanced skaters. The park’s opening was celebrated with the Boardr series national skateboard contest, drawing hundreds of spectators. Daily attendance ranges from 50 to 100 visitors as the park fosters youth participation in skating. The development was funded through community efforts and donations, reflecting a shared desire for improved recreational facilities.
Irmo, South Carolina officially welcomed its new Friarsgate Skate Park, which has quickly become a popular destination for both local skaters and visitors. Located within the Friarsgate neighborhood at Rawls Creek Park, the skate park has drawn considerable attention since its opening, particularly after hosting the Boardr series national skateboard contest on March 28-29. This event attracted hundreds of spectators and showcased 71 contestants hailing from 20 different states, ranging from Texas to Maine.
The park has a daily attendance rate estimated between 50 to 100 visitors, emphasizing its role as a vital recreational venue. Young skaters, such as 9-year-old David Allen-Smithson and 8-year-old Enzo Estrada, have been seen practicing their skills at the park. Additionally, Joshua Robinson, who runs an after-school skateboard program at the Universal Outreach Church, has been utilizing the park as a learning venue for kids. His summer camp program has also incorporated the skate park into its activities.
Measuring approximately 8,500 square feet, the park includes a variety of features designed to serve both beginner and advanced skaters. It offers bowls, rails, ledges, and quarter pipes, making it an inclusive space for all skill levels. The park, which cost around $380,000 to build, was constructed by 5th Pocket Skateparks and successfully opened following the initial Boardr event. Irmo Mayor Bill Danielson has announced that the Boardr contest will become an annual occurrence at the skate park, ensuring continued engagement and excitement in the local skating community.
The local community’s enthusiasm for the skate park was illustrated by the impressive turnout of 150 children who attended a skate program organized by the Universal Outreach Church. Local skaters, including visitors from North Carolina, have highly praised the park’s design and features. The layout of the park not only caters to experienced skaters but also provides a welcoming environment for newcomers. This initiative aims to address and change perceptions surrounding the skating community, making it more approachable and supportive of local youth engagement.
The park’s development is part of a broader community effort, which includes the completion of a nearby dog park and community garden at Rawls Creek Park. A skate park committee was established in January 2021 with the purpose of advocating for the park’s construction, reflecting a collective community desire for improved recreational facilities. The financing for the skate park was sourced from hospitality tax allocations, community efforts, and donations, including a significant grant from the Tony Hawk Foundation. Various local businesses, such as Bluetile Skateboards, have also contributed generously, donating approximately 200 skateboards for kids participating in the Youth Zone after-school program.
The design and construction of the Friarsgate Skate Park was notably quick, accomplished in under three years from inception to completion, demonstrating effective planning and community collaboration. As the park continues to gain traction, it stands as a pivotal recreational destination, fostering youth participation in skateboarding and encouraging active lifestyles within the local community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Restrooms at Rawls Creek Park Temporarily Closed Due to Vandalism
Additional Resources
- TimesDaily: If You Build It, They Will Shred
- Wikipedia: Skateboarding
- The State: Local News on Skate Park
- Google Search: Friarsgate Skate Park
- Post and Courier: Irmo Skate Park
- Google Scholar: Skateboarding in Irmo
- ColaToday: Friarsgate Skatepark Coming to Irmo
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Skateboarding
- WLTX: Friarsgate Skate Park
- Google News: Friarsgate Skate Park
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
