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Big Rollout: Crowds pack Riverside Bowl Skatepark in Camas for reopening celebration

Skaters kicked off effort to revamp aging skatepark in 2017; remodel includes new bowl, elements for all ages, abilities

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A skateboarder performs tricks at the newly remodeled Riverside Bowl Skatepark in Camas as crowds gather in the background for the park's grand reopening celebration on Thursday, July 27, 2023. (Photos by Kelly Moyer/Post-Record)

Crowds packed inside the newly remodeled Riverside Bowl Skatepark in Camas on Thursday, July 27, to get the first look at the park’s newly remodeled skate elements, see the unveiling of the park’s mural artwork and enjoy music and refreshments courtesy of the city of Camas.

Camas Mayor Steve Hogan said the park remodel has been a long time coming.

The park has been a part of Camas’ city parks for 23 years, Hogan said, and had gone through a long “dry spell.”

“Some local people … have done a lot of work to get this where it is,” Hogan said, before introducing Tim Laidlaw, a Washougal skateboarder who kicked off efforts to revamp the aging skatepark in 2017, and the park’s mural artist, Kevin Seagraves, also a Washougal skateboarder.

Laidlaw also spoke at the park’s grand reopening Thursday, and said he was “the crusty, old kook who rallied skaters to clean up the park in 2017, and presented (plans for a remodel) to the city council in 2018.”

“We asked the city to improve the skatepark, and they answered the call,” Laidlaw told the crowds gathered at the park reopening.

Laidlaw credited several individuals and organizations with seeing the skatepark’s remodel through to the end, including Camas Parks and Recreation, the Camas Parks Foundation, the Camas-based Lewallen Architecture, skatepark designer Joey Martin, Lewallen Architecture Project Manager Jackson Toole, photographer Tanya Wright, the Camas Ivy League and the Rotary Club of Camas-Washougal.

“Riverside Bowl has always been about involvement,” Laidlaw said. “If you haven’t been involved, get involved.”

Camas city officials approved a 350,403 bid from Lee Contractors of Battle Ground to remodel the skatepark in December, and construction kicked off in the spring.

The updated skatepark is meant to be accessible for skateboarders, BMXers, scooter-riders, rollerbladers and roller skaters of all levels. The new renovations feature a new bowl, a pyramid-shaped riding element, new rails and ramps, and Seagraves’ murals along several of the park’s cement walls.

The park is located at 2900 N.E. Third Ave., in Camas.

Camas Communications Director Bryan Rachal speaks Thursday, July 27, 2023, from a platform above a mural created by Washougal artist Kevin Seagraves, during the grand reopening of the newly remodeled Riverside Bowl Skatepark in Camas.
Camas Communications Director Bryan Rachal speaks Thursday, July 27, 2023, from a platform above a mural created by Washougal artist Kevin Seagraves, during the grand reopening of the newly remodeled Riverside Bowl Skatepark in Camas. (Kelly Moyer/Post-Record) Photo
Skateboarder Jeff Mihailoff, of Camas, skates a newly poured concrete bowl Thursday, July 27, 2023, during the grand reopening event celebrating the remodeled Riverside Bowl Skatepark in Camas.
Skateboarder Jeff Mihailoff, of Camas, skates a newly poured concrete bowl Thursday, July 27, 2023, during the grand reopening event celebrating the remodeled Riverside Bowl Skatepark in Camas. (Kelly Moyer/Post-Record) Photo
The Camas Public Library's Book Bike greets visitors at the July 27, 2023, grand reopening of Camas' Riverside Bowl Skatepark.
The Camas Public Library's Book Bike greets visitors at the July 27, 2023, grand reopening of Camas' Riverside Bowl Skatepark. (Kelly Moyer/Post-Record) Photo
Skaters overlook a concrete bowl and mural by Washougal artist Kevin Seagraves (not pictured) Thursday, July 27, 2023, during a grand reopening event for Camas' Riverside Bowl Skatepark.
Skaters overlook a concrete bowl and mural by Washougal artist Kevin Seagraves (not pictured) Thursday, July 27, 2023, during a grand reopening event for Camas' Riverside Bowl Skatepark. (Kelly Moyer/Post-Record) Photo
A SameWave Radio DJ plays music while skateboarders and other users enjoy the newly revamped Riverside Bowl Skatepark in Camas Thursday, July 27, 2023.
A SameWave Radio DJ plays music while skateboarders and other users enjoy the newly revamped Riverside Bowl Skatepark in Camas Thursday, July 27, 2023. (Kelly Moyer/Post-Record) Photo
Camas Police Chief Tina Jones (left) and her officers hand out free helmets  Thursday, July 27, 2023, during a grand reopening event for Camas' Riverside Bowl Skatepark.
Camas Police Chief Tina Jones (left) and her officers hand out free helmets Thursday, July 27, 2023, during a grand reopening event for Camas' Riverside Bowl Skatepark. (Kelly Moyer/Post-Record files) Photo
A skateboarder passes over a raccoon mural by Washougal artist Kevin Seagraves (not pictured) at the city of Camas' recently remodeled Riverside Bowl Skatepark in Camas on Thursday, July 27, 2023.
A skateboarder passes over a raccoon mural by Washougal artist Kevin Seagraves (not pictured) at the city of Camas' recently remodeled Riverside Bowl Skatepark in Camas on Thursday, July 27, 2023. (Kelly Moyer/Post-Record) Photo