A NEW skateboard park has been opened in Middlesbrough at a cost of more than £500,000.
The Prissick Skate Plaza, off Marton Road, opened its doors on Saturday.
Middlesbrough Council received a petition signed by 500 youngsters.
It is hoped the venue will be a training site for skateboarders taking part in the 2012 London Olympics.
The park was designed by American professional skaters and built by Hall Construction.
It will also be used by BMX cyclists.
Some of the features in the park are based on the world's most famous skate spots, including recreations of the Love Park stairs in Philadelphia as well as the Macba Gap, a famous Barcelona skate spot.
The project has been funded by the SITA Environmental Trust, Living Spaces, Middlesbrough Council, Active England and the Big Lottery Fund.
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