Yuma, Ariz. – The City of Yuma is excited to unveil the newly improved Kennedy Memorial Park (23rd St. and Kennedy Lane) with a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration on Saturday, January 4, starting at 11 a.m. This event will showcase the park’s upgraded skate park, enhanced sand volleyball courts, and improved inline hockey rink.
The festivities will start with remarks by members of the Yuma City Council, Parks and Recreation Director Eric Urfer, project team members, and representatives from the skating community. Highlighting the event will be professional skateboarder Ryan Lay, riding for New Balance and Sci Fi Fantasy, co-founder of the nonprofit @skateafterschool and founder of community skateboard event slowimpactaz. Lay, who has ties to Yuma through his mother who was born and raised here, will be one of the first to test the new skate facility. Following his demonstration, a BMX bike showcase presented by Willmeng, the project’s contractor, will entertain attendees along with other surprises. Food and drink vendors will be on-site, and a DJ will keep visitors entertained.
The newly designed skate park features an entirely new bowl, a half pipe, ramps, rails, and a pump track – elements influenced by feedback from Yuma’s skating community. The park was constructed by American Ramp Company, a leading expert in skate park design and construction.
After the ribbon cutting, the City will spotlight improvements to the parks’ inline skating rink by featuring a special inline hockey exhibition. The event will then transition to the renovated sand volleyball courts, where members of a local volleyball club will speak about the upgrades.
“This is a project worthy of a big celebration,” said Parks and Recreation Director Eric Urfer. “These improvements demonstrate the power of community collaboration in enhancing our parks and recreational facilities. Skaters, hockey players, and volleyball enthusiasts all contributed their expertise and feedback to make these upgrades possible. None of this was easy, but together we’ve reached the finish line. We thank everyone who provided input and support, and we look forward to continuing the revitalization of our parks as outlined in Yuma’s Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Trails Master Plan.”
For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at (928) 373 – 5200.