After more than a decade of committed advocacy, ground was officially broken at the future site of the Lynch Family Skatepark today. Despite gusty winds and heavy rainfall, the event was attended by an impressive collection of public officials, skateboarders, BMX riders, and inline skaters, as well as skateboarding legends Tony Alva and Christian Hosoa. The event was also attended by urban development advocates, as well as important benefactors Peter Lynch of the Lynch Foundation and Steve Van Doren, Vans’ Vice President of Events and Promotions. Congressman Michael Capuano was also in attendance, and reminded the crowd of the relentless advocacy spearheaded by Renata von Tscharner, President of the Charles River Conservancy (CRC), who in turn praised the individuals and groups that contributed to turning this formerly downtrodden area to an artistic public recreation space.

The 40,000 square foot skateboarding and recreation facility, which will be located adjacent to the Zakim Bridge and nearby North Point Park, is the result of a collaborative effort between the CRC and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). von Tscharner also reminded the crowd that the project wouldn’t have been possible without generous support from Vans, The Lynch Foundation, the City of Cambridge, and the Boston Redevelopment Authority. The project has also received support from more than 400 skaters and their parents, who helped design the park and donated what they could to support the development. Once constructed, the park will be managed, maintained, and operated by DCR as a state park. Vans, the sneaker and skateboarding company, plans to hold two large-scale, professional skating events at the park annually. Please click this link for more information about the Lynch Family Skatepark.