Henderson, Nev. – The City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department opened Morrell Skate Park July 8 with councilwoman Gerri Schroder dedicating the skate park.
Immediately following the grand opening, pro BMX rider Reuel Erickson and pro skateboarder Carl Allen offered riding demonstrations.
Morrell Skate Park is the City of Henderson’s fifth skate park and was designed with users’ needs and park flow in mind. Professionals, including Erickson, participated in the planning process to provide insight into the skating/riding community’s needs. The result is a skate park that is accessible to beginners and advanced users. Elements range from 3-foot rolling ramps and a 5-foot box jump to obstacles such as berms and the buried penny. The skate park is also equipped with bleachers and will eventually host skating/riding events, demonstrations, classes and competitions.
“It was important for us to include skate park users and pro riders in the planning process because they understand what works and what doesn’t,” said Dominick Casey, assistant director, City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department. “The result is a high quality skating environment that everyone can enjoy. There is a unique culture based around skate parks and we prefer to view that as an asset to our community. There are some truly talented riders out there and this skate park gives them a place to perfect their skills and hopefully share their knowledge and respect for the sport with the next generation of riders and skaters.
Crisci Builders served as the project general contractor and Spohn Ranch Skateparks supplied and installed the equipment. The skate park cost approximately $469,800, with the following funding: $51,347 grant from the Land & Water Conservation Fund, matching funding of $122,546 from Henderson’s Residential Construction Tax and a $295,907 grant by the Bureau of Land Management through the sale of public lands as authorized by the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA).
The City of Henderson has been awarded more than $235 million in SNPLMA funding for more than 30 parks and trails projects, which has helped the city keep pace with an increased demand for outdoor recreation opportunities in the community.
