(11/7) East End Park became a skater haven Nov. 6 as a ribbon cutting ceremony welcomed Thurmont’s own skatepark.

After the original ribbon-cutting day was postponed in October due to inclement weather, the November afternoon ceremony provided sunshine and perfect temperatures for the celebration.

"It’s been an amazing seven-month journey and It has been a big team effort and none of which would have happened without the support from the community," Staci Zelenka, mother of Thurmont Skatepark Committee member Maceo said.

The park came about as a result of the dauntless dedication of a Thurmont Skatepark Committee, which was made up mostly of Catoctin High School students, who presented the idea to the Town Council in April. The committee followed through with their proposal, combining efforts through Thurmont Town Government, Thurmont Police Sergeant Dave Armstrong, and countless members of the community in support.

Ideas for Thurmont to have its own skatepark had been presented to the council before, "But never with the passion and dedication that these kids showed," Mayor John Kinnaird said.

Zelenka watched the park’s progress steadily unfolding and was blown away with how months of hard work finally came to fruition with the grand opening. "Every time I drive by here, I get a tear in my eye," she said.

Members of the community who have been following the project from conception to concrete expressed pride for the committee of young adults. "It’s hard to believe it was an idea in April and now it’s here," Chief Administrative Officer James Humerick said.

"I think anything like this is inspiring," said Michael Blue, County Council Vice President, who praised the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and its Open Space grants for supplementing the generous community donations raised by the skatepark committee in order to bring the park to light. "It’s rewarding to see that kind of interest to take the bull by the horns and do it," he said.

"It’s an amazing thing this group did, as fast as it did," said Councilmember Wayne Hooper, who acted as the liaison between the skatepark committee and the town council. "They worked hard, if they had put in a halfhearted effort, it never would have happened," he said.

Hooper marveled at how he has learned from the skate committee, not only about the world of skating, but about young adults who are more than willing to jump into a community project and follow their passion creating an amazing new venue for everyone to enjoy.

More than a place to skate or a project to put on a resume, efforts from the Thurmont Skate Committee created a unifying area of the community for recreation for all ages. "All the right pieces came together, I am thrilled for the kids and the town," County Councilmember Kai Hagen said.

The park was specifically designed for all levels of skill, so skaters just starting out and those more experienced can all appreciate and utilize the variety of aspects of the park. Once the ribbon was cut, skaters of all ages descended upon the new park, providing encouragement to each other and always jumping back up when they fell.

The skatepark welcomes all wheels including rollerblades, skateboards, and scooters, but bicycles are not permitted on the concrete.

A plaque dedication featuring all patrons who donated $100 or more is planned and will be unveiled at a later date.