Skate park celebrates 15th anniversary with ‘jam’

The Bellevue Skate Park, the Eastside’s first indoor facility for skate boarders, will celebrate its 15th anniversary on Saturday, Dec. 19. The skate jam, 1-5 p.m., will include a best trick contest, demonstrations, refreshments and prize drawings.

Located in the Highland Community Center, 14224 Bel-Red Road, the park now has more than 50,000 registered users.

To maintain interest for users, the park is modified annually, but this year it underwent a major remodel with new ramps, skateboard obstacles and a mural painted by artist Todd Lown, who started skating at the park more than 10 years ago.

In 1994, young people advocated for the creation of the park through Bellevue Youth Link, a youth leadership group sponsored by the city and the school district. Skaters help plan the annual renovations for the facility.

Since the skate park was built, three outdoor skate parks have been added in Bellevue – the Crossroads Skate Bowl, the Lakemont Skate Court and the Highland Center Skate Plaza. The Skate Plaza was just completed last year.

For more information about the Bellevue Skate Park, call 425-452-2722.