Lakeland Skateboard Arena - Lakeland FL

When construction of Lakeland Skateboard Arena began in October 1976,  it was estimated to be the fourth skatepark in Florida. By the time it opened in December, it was actually the eighth. This was not due to any problems with the park per se, but rather a testament to how enthusiastically Floridians embraced skateparks after the success of Skateboard City in Port Orange and Paved Wave in Cocoa. The latter is what inspired furniture dealer Olin D. Morris to build Lakeland, and it also served as a rough template for its design. Lakeland Skateboard Arena was located on a 2.5 acre plot of land and featured three 140 foot runs: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Like many other skateparks of this era, Lakeland Skateboard Arena was pitched as a "safe place to skate," away from the dangers of the street. Mr. Morris dissolved the skatepark company on December 5, 1979, giving Lakeland a lifespan of approximately three years. This is a considerably long time for a park of this era.