How much did it cost to build the Des Moines skatepark?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 15, 2026
In the end, the $7 million project was paid for through a combination of public-private partnerships that included the $600,000 land donation, about $1 million from Polk County, a $1.6 million donation from philanthropists Nix and Virginia Lauridsen and donations from skaters and the local business community.
How much did the Des Moines skatepark cost?
The skate park costs $3.5 million, which was raised through private donations. The group has decided to add $2 million of additional amenities to the park. Amenities include a switchback trail that would give access to the park from Second Avenue. The trail would have multiple viewing points down to the skate park.
Who paid for the Des Moines skatepark?
The skatepark will be named after Nix and Virginia Lauridsen, who donated $1.6 million to the park. Additionally, major corporations in the Des Moines area, Tony Hawk's foundation “Skatepark Project” and community members all contributed to the fundraising effort of raising $7 million to actually build the park.
Who built Des Moines skatepark?
The Skatepark Cabinet and California Skateparks collaborated to create a world-class skatepark in Des Moines that is the largest open skatepark in the nation, totaling more than 88,000 Sq.
What is the biggest skatepark in Iowa?
At 88,000 square feet, Lauridsen Skatepark is now the largest in the country, offering popular features such as a 15-stair set with handrails, snake run, junior flow bowl and competitive street and park courses. This all lies within a picturesque park in downtown Des Moines, adjacent to School St.
41 related questions foundHow big is the new Des Moines skatepark?
Welcome to the largest skatepark in the nation.
The 88,000 square feet attraction will showcase Olympic caliber park and street courses. Thrilling features include a promenade, flow bowl, amoeba pool, snake run, and a skateable art piece entitled WOW.
What is the worlds biggest skate park?
Guangzhou Skatepark, Guangzhou, China
Officially the largest skatepark in the world.
What state has the biggest skatepark?
At 78,000 square feet, North Houston Skatepark, located in Spring, Texas, is the largest free skate park in the nation.
What is the largest skatepark in the US?
North Houston Skatepark is the largest skatepark in the US which was opened in 2014. It is a 78000 sqft—Skatepark near Spring in North Houston.
Who is Lauridsen skatepark named after?
The skatepark — planned to take shape along the Principal Riverwalk in Downtown DSM — is named after Nix and Virginia Lauridsen, who have gifted $1 million to the project from the Lauridsen Family Foundation.
How much did the Lauridsen skatepark cost?
It's estimated that the skateable terrain of the park costs $3.6 million; additional plans to incorporate a spectator park with viewing platforms, including handicap accessible walkways, shade structures and natural landscaping brings the total cost to approximately $6.3 million, the news release detailed.
Are bikes allowed at Lauridsen skatepark?
Yes, they are allowed as long as they use plastic pegs. Metal Pegs on BMX Bikes are prohibited, as they will damage the skatepark surface.
How many acres is a skatepark?
A single skatepark to serve all of Los Angeles, for example, would need to be 1,543,200 square feet, or about 35 acres. (The largest skateparks in the United States are only around 60,000 square feet, or 1.3 acres.)
What is the most famous skate park?
- Venice Beach Skatepark. (Best for Bowls) California, USA. ...
- The Black Pearl. (Good for All Levels) ...
- Stoke Plaza. (Best for Street Skaters) ...
- Guangzhou Skatepark. (Most Versatile) ...
- Skatepark Los Reyes. (Best for Night Sessions) ...
- Marseille Skatepark. (Best for 'Getting the Shot') ...
- Kona Skatepark. (Best for Vert Skating)
What states have the best skate parks?
Best Skateparks in the U.S.
- #1: Burnside Skate Park (Portland, OR) ...
- #3: Denver Skate Park (Denver, CO) ...
- #4: David Armstrong Extreme Park (Louisville, KY) ...
- #6: FDR Skate Park (Philadelphia, PA) ...
- #7: Vans Skate Park (Orange, CA) ...
- #8: Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park (San Jose, CA)
What city has the most skateparks?
In 2020, Laredo, TX had the largest number with 3.3 skate parks per 100,000 residents.
How big is the Denver skatepark?
Boasting 60,000 square feet of skateable, concrete terrain, the park challenges boarders, bladers, and bikers of all levels (bring your own gear - no rentals available.)
What is the oldest skatepark in the USA?
Kona Skatepark was built in Jacksonville, Florida USA in the late 70's, skaters from across the nation made the trek to the sprawling concrete mecca and helped shaped skateboarding to the way it is today.
How big is the Guangzhou skatepark?
In Guangzhou, China, a 182,000-square-foot skatepark is being built.
What is the oldest skatepark in the world?
The first skatepark in the world, Surf City, opened for business at 5140 E. Speedway in Tucson, Arizona on September 3, 1965.
How high is a vert ramp?
Vert ramps are so named because they transition from a horizontal plane (known as the flat-bottom) to a vertical section on top. The typical height of a vert ramp is 11 ft (3.4 m) to 14 ft (4.3 m) with anywhere from 6 in (150 mm) to 2 ft (0.61 m) of vertical on top.
How do you ask the city to build a skatepark?
Once you have a plan developed, take your case to the city council. At the meeting, present the need for the skate park and show your evidence of community support for the park, like the petition. Ask your community leaders about any possible funding sources they can offer for the skate park.
Who invented skateboarding?
Who Invented Skateboarding? Bill Richards invented the skateboard in 1958 when he attached rollerblading wheels to a wooden board. This was called the Roller Derby Skateboard, and it went on sale in 1959. These were extremely thick boards with narrow trucks and clay wheels.
Is Lauridsen skatepark open?
Monday – Sunday | 6 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. The Lauridsen Skatepark is a shared public space.
Who is Lauridsen?
Colfax, Washington, U.S. Morten Johannes Lauridsen (born February 27, 1943) is an American composer.