City donates $1 million for skateboard park

The city has announced that it is giving a $1 million grant toward the construction of a skateboard park along the Schuylkill.

Philadelphia Commerce Director Stephanie W. Naidoff said in a statement: "I am especially pleased to know that these funds will finally make the mayor's dream of having a world-class skate park . . . a reality."

The money was given to Franklin's Paine Skatepark Fund, a nonprofit set up to raise money for the park.

In 2003, the city donated a 2.5-acre parcel south of the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a skating venue. The original goal was to develop a community park that was also skateboard-friendly. After numerous meetings with community leaders, the project's neighbors, and city officials, the scope of the project was expanded to also include a world-class venue.

- Inquirer staff