FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                               July 16, 2002

BIKES, BOARDS AND BLADES HAVE A PUBLIC PLACE IN WAKE; CARY SKATE PARK NOW OPEN

CARY, NC – Sk8-Cary, the Town of Cary's newest facility and the first public skate park in Wake County, is now open. Located at 2040 NW Maynard Road in Godbold Park, summer hours of operation for SK8-Cary are Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.–10 p.m.

Three-hour sessions will allow for several user groups per day and entrance fees will be $3 per session for members and $10 for non-members. Memberships cost $20 for Cary residents and $40 for nonresidents and are valid for one calendar year. Registration forms are only available at Sk8-Cary, and youth under 18 years must have a parent or guardian present at the facility when completing registration forms or visiting the facility for the first time.

Sk8-Cary contains a 12,000 square foot concrete slab with a street course design. The ramps are made of wood with Skatelite Pro as the final skating surface. Additional features of the park include a pro-shop, covered spectator area, concession vending and restrooms.

Sk8-Cary was initiated and designed with a high level of public involvement. Citizens approached the Cary Town Council requesting a dedicated skate facility in February 2000. A series of three public meeting were held to get information and feedback regarding design and management of the facility. During these meetings, the facility goals and desired elements were identified and ultimately incorporated into the entire facility design. Sk8-Cary, a grassroots nonprofit organization, led a private effort to supplement funding for the facility. This group raised approximately $38,000 toward the project including, $10,000 from a Wake County Parks and Recreation grant and another $9,000 the annual Hot Hoops 3-on-3 street ball tournament. Remaining funds were provided by the Town of Cary for a total project cost of $856,429.

John Woodstock Designs was selected as the ramp design and builder. Located in Jupiter, Florida, this firm has over twenty years experience in the landscape construction industry and experience in designing skate parks, both large and small, for a variety of skill levels. Final design of the park, incorporating Woodstock Designs' ramps, was completed by Elam Todd d'Ambrosi (Etd), Landscape Architects. Based out of Cary, ETd has been provided Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture services for over 14-years, with the principals having worked in the public and private sectors for the past 30-years. McClure Hopkins Architects, Raleigh, designed the park buildings that house the restrooms, concession area, covered spectator area and pro shop. Mechanical engineering was provided by Bass, Nixon & Kennedy, Inc of Raleigh. And RP Construction Co. of Raleigh was awarded the construction contract for the slab, buildings and landscaping of the facility. Ramp construction was completed by Woodstock Designs.

Sanctuary Skate Park Cary, Inc., part of Sanctuary Skate Parks USA, is the Town’s contracted management company to oversee the day to day operations of Cary's skate park. Sanctuary Skate Parks USA has been working with municipal and county administrators since 1997 to consult, design, maintain, insure, and operate first class skate park facilities that will be a home for skaters, skateboarders and BMX riders. They manage skate facilities along the East Coast, including Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.

Sk8-Cary is a regional facility for use by Cary residents and the surrounding communities. The goal of this facility is to provide a safe social environment and place to enhance the skills for those that participate in the sport of skateboarding, in-line skating and BMX. For more information, contact the Town of Cary at (919) 469-4064 or Sk8-Cary at (919) 380-9799, or visit the Town online at www.townofcary.org.

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