There may be a few more skateboards underneath South Jersey Christmas Trees this year as the all new Cmaden County Skatepark at Cooper River opened today.
The Board of Commissioners joined local officials and members of the skateboarding community today to unveil the new skatepark which is located in the Cherry Hill Township section of the Cooper River Park.
Developed close to Cuthbert Boulevard and behind the large DoubleTree hotel, the skatepark features a variety of quarter pipes, rails, pump track and more. There is something to fully challenge skaters of all skill levels.
The park is secured with a tall fence but it was stated by the Director of Camden County Parks that it will be open daily from the morning until 10:00 PM at night.
Camden County’s seasonal Winterfest ice skating rink is located just a 2 minute walk away, so if you plan on visiting you can check out both Cooper River offerings. The Winterfest seasonal complex also features an indoor tent area with snack bar and arcade.
I stopped in just a few days ago ahead of the skatepark opening and filmed a short video highlighting both exciting Cooper River features.
Camden County Skatepark at Cooper River
Commissioner Jeffrey Nash, who is the liaison of the Camden County Parks Department… was the master of ceremonies. He was joined by Cherry Hill Mayor David Fleischer, resident skatepark supporter <arla Rosenthal and others, who all celebrated the opening of the new skatepark.
The project’s construction was sponsored by Camden County with a cost of about $900,000, being funded by both county and state funds.
Last year assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald presented the Parks Department with a check for $87,000 to go towards the construction of the skatepark.
The groundbreaking for the skatepark took place just two months ago, and already the beautiful facility is open and ready for action.
The Wednesday morning opening ceremony saw really excellent weather for (particularly for mid-December), which drew a large crowd of media, supporters and skateboarding enthusiasts.
“This skatepark has been long awaited and we are so thrilled to finally open it to the public,” said Commissioner Jeffrey Nash, liaison to the Camden County Parks Department. “The skateboarding community here in Camden County has been a huge help in bringing this project to fruition and we cannot wait to welcome them to use the Camden County Park System’s newest amenity.”
The park features three large quarter-pipe ramps, with one of them curved, a variety of rails and benches to grind on, as well as an exhilarating pump track.
After a brief commentary session and ribbon cutting ceremony, the crowds moved off of the freshly poured concrete to make room for the skateboarders to show their stuff.
Camden County resident Marla Rosenthal and her son were also on hand to celebrate the opening of the park. Mom Marla started this as a grassroots effort 12 years ago in hopes of providing a safe and innovative skate park for her son.
I am thankful to the Camden County and the parks department and my amazing committee and my son who I did this for. After 12 years of work we’re getting a Camden County skate park. My son started this when he was eight and now he’s almost 20. It’s been a long time. I loved working with him and I’m thrilled that I’ve been able to make his dream a reality. It’s amazing what you can get done when you work with good people. Skateboarders are great people. Moms Rule!
Marla Rosenthall – quoted at theskateparkproject (The Skatepark Project Facebook)
Links and Location
Skatepark at Cooper River Park
562 Park Boulevard (behind the Double Tree Hotel)
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
