Sparks Carlsbad Skatepark

Carlsbad Skatepark was built by Jack Graham and John O'Malley in 1976, and was the forerunner of the skateboard park. We all know what has happened since then. Currently, Carlsbad is undergoing extensive expansion which will make it a 15-acre skate boarding village and park. This will also be the world's first $1 million skatepark, and the grand opening should be quite a bash.

Already completed and in use is the "Mogul Maze," 30,000 square feet including one cloverleaf bowl, two snake runs, and six mogul mounds. The "Contest Bowl" will feature two interconnected bowls rising to full vertical walls, 100' by 60', bowls 5' and 12' deep. Skaters will have to qualify to use this run. The "Infinity Bowl" will feature a triangular surface 90' by 20' by 13' deep. Here again, skaters must qualify to use this area. The "Contest Bowl" and the "Infinity Bowl" will be opening this spring with the grand opening, and should offer some truly radical new sur faces.

Membership is not required at Carlsbad. Admission for skaters is $3.00 per day at this time, but this will probably change somewhat this spring when the expansion is completed. All necessary safety equipment may be rented in the pro shop for $1.00 for everything.

A new, fully equipped pro shop is now open at Carlsbad Skatepark featuring customized skate boards. Repairs can also be made here. Group and individual lessons are offered, so check in the pro shop for details.

The snack bar will carry an assortment of fast foods, snacks, and drinks, and an amusement arcade will have a variety of pinball, foosball, air hockey, and video games. These facilities will also be opening with the grand opening this spring.

The park will feature a closed circuit TV system, spectator bleachers, and professional, as well as local amateur, competition.