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Pro-skaters help kick off official grand opening of Rhodes Skate Park

Posted at 6:14 PM, Aug 06, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-06 20:35:35-04

Announced this week, skateboarding is among one of the sports added to the 2020 Olympic Games.

On Saturday, potential competitors were in the City of Trees to help celebrate the grand opening of Rhodes Skate Park.

Boise Skateboarding Association member Josh Davis summed up the meaning behind the culmination celebration in just a few words when kicking off the event in the heart of Boise.

"This is what we've been waiting for... for a long time in Boise," Davis said.

The association was formed about ten years ago in order to help come up with a way to renovate the skate park that was outdated.

Through a series of partnerships, the vision for a world-class skate park became a reality quicker than anyone had thought possible.

Saturday was a day to reflect on the park that was built by the community, for the community.

Boise Mayor Dave Bieter: "Nothing makes a mayor happier, and the city council and everybody involved in this project, than to come by and see people using it."

Now Boise skateboarders have a place to call home with other spots in the works. There is a spot designated for a new skate park at Molenaar Park.

"We never really had a home or a place to go and be able to skateboard," Davis reminisced. "To go from that time period to where I am now in my life and be able to see that kids have a place, that it's accepted and that we can foster that growth is something pretty special."

The grand event included the opening of Element 304 Americana. The building is meant to be a community center but does have a small Element brand shop inside.

Heading the Element skateboarding team is Nyjah Huston.

The X-Games gold medalist, among other titles, and currently the highest paid skateboarder in the world, was ready to ride one of the best right here in Boise, Idaho. He's also hoping to go for gold in the 2020 Olympics.

"I think it [skateboarding added to Olympics] is really good for skateboarding and just really good for kids out there," Huston said. "I think it's going to be an exciting thing to watch in the Olympics."

There still are a few finishing touches left to be added to the Rhodes Skate Park including artwork and landscaping.

Also planned for that area is an Urban Obstacle Course that Boise Parks & Recreation will be installing soon.