SHELBY — Hoops, hollers and the sound of wheels on pavement created a spirited atmosphere Saturday at Louis “Louie” Beach skate park.
Local non-profit Skate Ohio put on a Jam and Best Trick event in Shelby to celebrate the grand re-opening of the skating area — which followed Friday’s ribbon cutting.
Skate Ohio spent 89 days constructing and modernizing the historic skate park.
B.J. Price, chairman of the local non-profit, announced in July a community outreach partnership with ArcelorMittal, a Shelby tube manufacturer, to renovate the park, located along West Park Drive.
ArcelorMittal provided Skate Ohio with $50,000 to order new ramps, fix existing ramps, modify the current skate setup, fund general maintenance, cleaning and graffiti removal.
Several additional local companies provided efforts throughout the construction process.
While Price watched local skaters enjoying the revamped park Saturday, he said it felt unreal.
“It’s been such a process,” he said. “It’s been so great through the whole time.
“There are setbacks and we’re just exhausted from working so hard, but we just can’t really believe it.”
Local skating community shows out Saturday
The smiles of local skaters Saturday were contagious.
Folks of all ages enjoyed the skate park’s new features and rooted for one another during several best trick sessions.
Adam McElroy, co-founder of Skate Ohio, said the last few days have left him at a loss for words.
“I don’t even know if it’s fully clicked yet,” McElroy said. “Today (Saturday), it’s a little more real with seeing everybody enjoy it and all the smiles and things like that.”
During its last event of 2024, Skate Ohio awarded skaters Saturday with new decks and cash prizes, among other giveaways.
Gallery: Louie Beach Skatepark Jam and Best Trick event
No signs of slowing down
When Skate Ohio unveiled renderings of Louis “Louie” Beach skate park back in August, Price explained the non-profit’s goal is to fix and update skate parks in communities throughout Richland County, including Shelby, Mansfield and Lexington.
He said Skate Ohio ultimately hopes to someday begin after-school programming for local skaters.
“Not every kid fits the mold of baseball, basketball or football,” Price said in August.
“We want to give another option and something that the non-profit can come alongside and make it affordable.”
