Iowa Skatepark Marks Grand Opening With Olympic Qualifying

Skateboarding has seen a huge growth in popularity in recent years, going far beyond the kids skating in their neighborhoods to having dedicated skate parks popping up everywhere.

Lauridsen Skatepark in Des Moines is a brand new facility that is set to be a launching pad for some of the best skateboarding competitors to qualify for the "2020 Olympics" which have now been rescheduled to take place July 23-August 8, 2021. KCCI announced that Dew Tour will hold the only U.S.-based Olympic skateboard-qualifying event there.

Lauridsen is indeed approved as an Olympic-level competition venue and is currently the largest U.S. skatepark. The Olympic qualifier will also serve as part of Lauridsen's grand opening.

The Tokyo Olympics have already banned international spectators, so that means many families will be unable to watch their loved ones compete in person. But those with friends and relatives with skills on the board can watch them compete to qualify in Des Moines May 20-23.

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According to KCCI,

The competition includes World Skate-sanctioned men’s and women’s skateboarding competitions and is the country’s only Olympic qualifying event ahead of the rescheduled summer Olympics in Tokyo.

The Dew Tour website has more to say about the Lauridsen skatepark,

The skatepark was built by world-class builders California Skateparks – the skatepark architects of the Dew Tour since 2014 –  and is now the largest in the United States. Dew Tour will be the first event to be held at the 88,000 square foot park; the weekend will be part of the grand opening kickoff of Lauridsen Skatepark.

The Olympic Channel says skateboarding is making its debut as a competitive event with this year's  Olympics. Good luck to all the competitors and we're excited to welcome you to Iowa for a major step toward your dream.