On the day of the Bowling Green Skatepark opening, not even the heavy rain could dampen the spirit of the day. Excitement and relief washed over the crowd as the dream of the skatepark became a reality. After many months of planning and construction, the skatepark was ready to be unveiled to the public and to the people that had worked so hard to make it possible.

While most people view skateboarding as a hobby, the reality is that it is a passion and a way of life. Dora Hurc, who has been skating since she was thirteen stated, “I am a girl skater. I love to skate and I will probably do it for the rest of my life.”

The reviews for the skatepark could not have been better. Fifteen-year-old Grayson Certan, from Glasgow, skates for Blue Wallace of Bowling Green and made rave reviews about the park, “The park is awesome. It’s crowded but the bowls are so clean and smooth, especially the big ones.” Eight-year-old Connor Certan, also from Glasgow, stated with a grin, “I like the bowls.” People of all ages, from different locations, and of different capabilities filled the park. Six-year-old Kaylee Allen, who attends Alvaton Elementary in Bowling Green, could not decide where to start as her face shone with excitement.

More experienced skaters took their turns and showed the beginners what they had to look forward to now that they had a place to shape their craft. Excitement was not the only thing that greeted you, but safety did as well. A tent set up by the Crocker Law Offices of Bowling Green worked along side the Brain Injury Association of Kentucky to provide free fitted helmets to every child, and over two hundred were handed out. After the rain ended and the tents were taken down, no one left.

The intensity remained high and so did the number of people. The answer to the question of whether the skatepark will be used is an obvious yes. It has been dubbed one of the best in the nation and since it was designed and built by Wally Hollyday there is no questions to its greatness. The skatepark did not just meet the expectations, but it exceeded them.