Click the photo above to see shots of the festivities from the Grand Opening of the new concrete skatepark at the Fort Irwin Military Base in Southern California.
The turnout for the event was unbelievable, with a crowd of over 300 skaters, parents, soldiers, and community members. Fort Irwin/National Training Center Commanding General Brig. Gen. Robert “Abe” Abrams, son of the legendary General Creighton Abrams, was on hand to give an inspirational speech to the skaters about respecting the park and their fellow skaters.
“There are not enough words to adequately say thank you to each and every one of you for your support of our Fort Irwin Community. People on post can only say wonderful things about the design, the project and the incredible skaters who showed up for the event. Each of you made a huge difference in the lives of our Soldiers and their families yesterday. The skatepark is having a huge impact on our children and soldiers who need a place for recreation.” said Jackie Hoggins, Marketing Chief at Fort Irwin.
Read below for the story of how this skatepark project came to fruition.