Mayor Bill Haslam, Parks and Recreation Director Joe Walsh, former Fountain City Town Hall President Michael Kane, and others opened the Fountain City Skatepark with a an official ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday.

Though rain kept skaters from trying out the new skatepark, several were in attendance for the ribbon cutting and noted their excitement to take their wheels to the pavement once the rain stopped and the concrete dried.

The 7,000 square-foot skate plaza, located on the corner of Maple Drive and Knox Road, has been the focal point of community interest for many in Fountain City and across Knoxville for over three years now.

Going back to 2007, the Fountain City Town Hall members have been working with the City and the Legacy Parks Foundation to raise money for the new skatepark. 
 
Over $44,000 in private monies from individuals and corporate donors were invested toward the project.

Michael Kane, a Fountain City resident and leading advocate for the project, led much of the community's involvement with the City for the skatepark. 

"We're always looking for ways to help Knoxville citizens enjoy recreational opportunities," said Joe Walsh, Parks and Recreation Director. "Skate plazas such as the one we're about to open in Fountain City provide a safe, fun way for area children to enjoy this form of recreation. Plus, it helps them to stay active." 
 
The estimated $183,000 project was designed by Cannon and Cannon and built by the EC Corporation.

Ribbon cutting at the new Fountain City SkateparkHours for the new Fountain City Skatepark will be from dawn to dusk. For more information on this new facility or any other City park, please call 311 or visit www.knoxvilletn.gov.