(May 4, 2004) — Skateboarders from the La Crescenta and Glendale area have had a difficult time finding a nice place that provides enough of a risk factor to suit their hunger and at the same time a place that won’t get them in trouble with the law. Many potential places such as schools and parks have banned the use of skateboard with higher fences, closed gates and even metal tabs on rails such as those here at Clark to prevent anyone from even thinking about trying to grind on them. But have no fear, fellow skateboarders, the new Verdugo Public Skate Park puts an end to those problems. Verdugo Skate Park opened April 17 and has since been growing in popularity. “Before this park, we had to go to a pretty plain [skate] park near the Galleria,” said junior Alan Mera, “or sometimes go all the way to Chino or Palm Springs to skate in a nice place.” “It also provides a safe place for kids to skate, complete with adult supervision,” said Skate Park staff member Jose Cubias. “Cops have been telling kids to skate elsewhere,” Cubias said. “And when the kids ask where to go, they don’t have an answer.” This 15,000-square-foot park contains more than enough challenge to the most seasoned skater, but at the same time a great environment to start as a beginner. The park is divided into four sections: the right-hand kidney, the Snakerun start basin, the Snakerun end wall and the big bowl, where six, nine and 11-foot bowls are transitioned together, completely edged with steel pipes. The park has come a long way from mere City Council ideas dating back to 1994. The approval for this project was passed in 1999, but construction difficulties, waits on permits and public disapproval have hindered its completion until now.