THE RETURN OF DOGTOWN

I started skating at Venice Beach when I was in 6th grade... Even though I wasn't the best, it was always a great place to hang out, skate, and seem some of the best pros in the world including Eric Dressen, Tony Alva, Rodney Mullen, Jesse Martinez, and all of the Dogtown crew... I'm glad to see this landmark skate spot renovated!

It was only last February when construction began on the 16,000-square-foot Venice Beach Skate Plaza. Today, eight months later, the $3.5 million in-ground concrete park full of bowls, ramps, rails, platforms, and steps opens.

When Venice Beach was renovated between 1999 and 2001, skateboarders demanded a park in honor of Dogtown, the birthplace of modern skateboarding. "Design input from local skaters and skating professionals helped make the Venice Beach Skate Park one of the most challenging arenas for skaters to ride," touts L.A. City Councilman Bill Rosendal's office. "The facility rivals other skate parks around the world but stands out as one of the only skate parks located on a beach."

Via LAist

- Drew