COLUMBUS, Ohio — Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk paid a visit to Dodge Skatepark in west Columbus on Tuesday.
The skatepark, located in the Franklinton neighborhood, got a major facelift and reopened late last year.
Designed by Frank Hawk, Tony's father, the 34-year-old park holds historical significance as the first public skatepark in the city where skateboarding was once outlawed in most public places.
Hawk was in the area for a speaking event at Ohio University. In an Instagram post, he wrote it was inspiring to hear from skaters who grew up in the area who said the park was their way of escaping life's hardships.
"The skaters of Columbus and surrounding areas felt connected to this space in a way that is hard to explain unless you’ve been lucky enough to have a place like it," Hawk said.
Last year, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department teamed up with California Skateparks to temporarily restore the skatepark while still honoring the park's historical design. Hawk believes they achieved that.
"It was kinked and crusty and beloved for its uniquely flawed design. And now it’s smooth with proper coping, but has kept its shape and raw charm," Hawk said.
The department is planning for the long-term redevelopment of the skatepark, which would include enhancements and expansion. Further advancements to the skatepark are anticipated to begin in 2028.
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