Skaters in central Phoenix just found a new home.
The south side of Margaret T. Hance Park, also known as Deck Park, has been selected as the recommended location for a new Urban Skate Plaza following a unanimous vote by Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board Subcommittee on Wednesday.
The decision comes after professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek donated thousands of dollars in equipment and $50,000 last month to help fund the skate park's design and construction.
Hance Park is located above the I-10 between downtown and uptown between Central Avenue and Culver Street. It's a rare Phoenix instance of nature over traffic -- in this case, literally. On-site, you can find the Japanese Tea House and Friendship Garden (no, skaters won't be allowed to grind in the garden).
It will be the first designated skate area in central Phoenix. City officials and residents are hoping for a decrease in "urban skating" and using public and often private property as a improv skate park.
Spokespeople from the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Phoenix have said the park will cost between $300,000 and $400,000. And while the start of construction date has not been set, the project is expected to take at least three months to build.
