Costa Mesa, California * -- By now, skateboarders have grown accustomed to the rails, steps and slopes of the Volcom * Skate Park of Costa Mesa, which has been open for nearly three months.

Little fanfare surrounded the park's first few weeks -- just hours and hours of skating.

Last month's official dedication brought the largest crowd to the skatepark * thus far, as over 100 people crowded around the $1-million, 15,000-square-foot park and watched as young riders, including as Costa Mesa resident Jacob Gonzalez, 8, demonstrated their skating skills.

Then the young riders from Orange County *, all of whom had won various municipal skateboard competitions, turned their attention to another rider, Costa Mesa Mayor Allan Mansoor.

He strapped on pads, secured his helmet and rode cautiously across the flattest parts of the skatepark.

City residents and officials cheered as the mayor rode down a gentle slope and hopped off his board.

Though he made no official remarks to the crowd regarding his skating abilities, Mansoor did give his take on the park: "Everything has been running smoothly."

A few minutes earlier, Mansoor had joined fellow Costa Mesa City Council members Katrina Foley, Linda Dixon and Eric Bever on a large skateboard outside the park grounds.

The city officials participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the crowd gathered under a black and white tent erected by Volcom. Volcom, a Costa Mesa-based apparel company, has a 10-year, $300,000 sponsorship deal with the city that will cover the costs of running the park.

"Volcom is proud to be selected for this project," said Douglas Collier, Volcom's chief finance director. "It's a great asset to the city. I thank the city for building the park and allowing us to put our name on it."

Mansoor thanked a variety of city officials for their work in making the park a reality. For years, some city officials and dedicated city residents fought for the park.

Costa Mesa resident Jim Gray, owner of skateboard manufacturing * company, ABC Boards, also played a major part in the park's establishment.

"We thank the council for being willing to allocate funds necessary to build a first-rate skate park," said William Morris, Costa Mesa's public services director.

Kurt Gunning, recreation director for the city of Laguna Niguel, watched as the young skateboarders tried out the new facilities.

"It's a well-laid-out park," Gunning said. "You don't have traffic problems and there's a lot of space for skaters to maneuver."

Improvements are still in the works, including grandstand seating. The Volcom Skatepark of Costa Mesa is open 9am to 9pm and is located at 900 Arlington (Arlington and Junipero), Costa Mesa, California. (714) 754-5326

This article was originally entitled "Dedicated to skating: Unofficially open for nearly two months, Costa Mesa skate park is now really ready for business" and was found at http://www.dailypilot.com/ news/story/ 22263p-31577c.html

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