On Saturday, December 16^th the etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest’s 20-year anniversary event celebrated a successful first in the history of skateboarding and United States cities.  Back in 2003, etnies partnered with the City of Lake Forest to create the skatepark, and this was the first time a skatepark was created through a public/private partnership.  With more than 1.2 million skater visits over the last two decades, the etnies Skatepark has been a community center and made Lake Forest a destination for the best pro skateboarders in the world.

“Thank you to the City of Lake Forest for believing that a skatepark would be a positive impact on the community,” said Pierre Andre Senizergues.  “This public/private partnership has truly benefitted the residents of Lake Forest, Orange County and the global skateboarding community.”

The etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest 20 Year Anniversary event brought the Lake Forest community together with top pro skateboarders once again. Skateboarding fans were able to get autographs from Fabiana Delfino, Nassim Lachhab, Ryan Sheckler, Julian Lewis, Andy Anderson, Amelia Brodka and Sean Sheffey.  etnies Owner and CEO Pierre-Andre Senizergues, Global Brand Director Brian Cook and Global Marketing Manager Fred van Schie were all in attendance to celebrate as well. City of Lake Forest and Orange County leaders at the event included Lake Forest Mayor Doug Cirbo, City Manager Debra Rose and the office of Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner presented a Certificate of Recognition from the County of Orange.

“We are incredibly proud of the partnership with Sole Technology that led to the etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest,” Lake Forest Mayor Doug Cirbo said. “For 20 years now, the skatepark has served everyone from Lake Forest kids taking a lesson with our Community Services Department to world-class skaters on the way to the X Games. It’s not only an asset to Lake Forest but to the entire skating community.”

“It’s been an amazing 20 years here at the etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest, and I’m looking forward to the remodeling process and many more years to come,” said Scott Stewart, senior recreation supervisor.

PROS FROM LAKE FOREST

In its earlier years, the etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest’s 62,000 square feet of skateable terrain made it the largest free skatepark in the U.S. and one of the largest skateparks in the world. More than just a place to hang out, the etnies Skatepark gave locals a spot to grow as skateboarders. Lake Forest kids Aidan Campbell, Daniel Vargas and Dylan Witkin all grew up as locals at the park and went on to become professional skateboarders.

WORLD-CLASS SKATE DESTINATION

The etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest has drawn many of the top pro skateboarders in the world to the city.  Some of the highlights include Andrew Reynolds, Bastien Salabanzi, Chris Cole, Christian Hosoi, Colin Provost, Elissa Steamer, Eric Koston, Heath Kirchart, Jamie Thomas, Jeff Grosso, Justin “Figgy” Figueroa, Lance Mountain, Leo Romero, Leticia Bufoni, Luan Olivera, Mark Appleyard, Nyjah Huston, Omar Hassan, Paul Rodriguez, Rick McCrank, Rob Dyrdek, Rune Glifberg, Ryan Decenzo, Ryan Sheckler, Sean Malto, Steve Caballero, Tony Hawk and Torey Pudwill. This list just includes some of the highlights; there are many more! Events like the etnies GvR and The Sheckler Foundation’s SKATE FOR A CAUSE brought big name competitors and global media coverage to the etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest.

For two decades the etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest public/private partnership model has shown that skateparks can be a major benefit to communities all over the world.  The park which is owned and operated by the City of Lake Forest, continues to offer year-round classes, camps and special events.

For additional info on etnies and the etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest, check out:
https://www.etnies.com
etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest

About etnies:

Built by skateboarding since 1986, etnies is the first skateboarder-owned and operated global action sports footwear and apparel company. etnies not only pushed the envelope by creating the first pro model skate shoe, but it pioneered technological advances and changed the face of skateboard footwear forever. Today etnies’ vision, led by owner and skateboarder Pierre Andre Senizergues (@pierreandresenizergues), is to remain the leading skateboard footwear company committed to creating innovative products that provide the most style, comfort, durability, and protection possible.  etnies remains driven to taking steps toward sustainable living in our world.

etnies stays true to its roots by sponsoring a world class team of skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, BMX, and MTB riders, and continues its dedication by giving back to each of these communities. The brand is known for supporting the community with events like the GvR, giving 50,000 pairs of shoes to the homeless and planting more than 2 million trees in the rainforest through the Buy a Shoe, Plant a Tree program.