Wheeling Skatepark Grand Opening Held Sunday

By CASEY JUNKINS Staff Writer


WHEELING — Mayor Nick Sparachane forgot to bring his helmet and elbow pads to Sunday’s grand opening and dedication ceremony at the Wheeling Skatepark — as did City Manager Robert Herron and U.S. Attorney Sharon Potter.

“I really wish I could get out there myself because it sure looks like a lot of fun, but I’m not sure how much my back would enjoy it,” Sparachane said.

Though the officials may have forgotten to bring their gear, a myriad of skaters from as far away as Colorado remembered theirs.

“So far, I know we have drawn people from as far away as Washington D.C., Connecticut and Colorado,” Herron said.

Diana Mey, chairwoman of the Wheeling Skatepark Committee that raised $109,000 of the $330,000 used to build the park, was excited by the large turnout.

“It is really amazing to see a turnout like this, but I think it just goes to show how popular skating really is,” she said.

Though Potter, another committee member, left her skateboard at home, she said the park’s opening will allow her to spend a little less time on the highway.

“I have been driving my son to skateparks in Pittsburgh and other far away places for years, so it is really nice that he will now be able to come here,” she said.

Potter said the park is a great achievement for the city of Wheeling and the committee. “I think some of the people who have come here are really surprised and impressed by how nice the park is. Everyone seems to be having a good time and behaving themselves, too,” she said.

Larry Harris of Allison Park, Pa., was thoroughly impressed with the facility. “I have skated at more than 100 skateparks all across the nation, and I can tell you that this is definitely one of the three best I have seen,” he said.

Bryan Murray of Wheeling, another committee member, is also impressed with the park. “This is really a dream come true for those of us who have wanted to be able to skate around here for years,” he said.

Ali Calis of Cincinnati also enjoyed catching some air. “Everyone did a phenomenal job with this park,” he said.

Calis said that skateboarding is a great mixture of sport and art. “Skateboarding just keeps getting more popular, and having a place like this is one reason why,” he said.

O.J. Hays of Columbus also said the park is great. “I will definitely be coming back here soon,” he said.

Wheeling Public Works Director Russell Jebbia said he would like to eventually add permanent restrooms and lighting to the 10,000 square foot park that is currently open from dawn to dusk daily.

“All of us knew this would be a big attraction, but I think it may end up being even bigger than we initially thought,” he said.