Today we watched as the culmination of efforts came about to offer the area another recreational choice here.

The idea of a skatepark came about from a series of countywide recreation master plan meetings, caught the attention of those willing to make contributions to make it a reality and then caught the eye of the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, which viewed the project as one tied to the health and well-being of our youth, which it is.

The interest and monetary contribution of the trust made the skatepark what it is and could not have been done on the scale it was without them.

The Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Department solicited the help and advice of those who would use the facility and did not just rely on those from officialdom to craft the idea of the park.

From the beginning phases of construction to the final product, Artisan Skateparks delivered to our city a fine product that began with a kernel, became heated and finally popped into something delicious the children and even veteran skaters can use and enjoy.

Demonstrating the team effort this project was, plenty of shout outs have to go to the cooperation between the rec department and public works, which laid the foundation for the facility so Artisan could deliver us something to be envied by other communities.

We watched today, the official opening day of the park, as local skaters and bikers took ownership of the facility, waxing sticky parts down with approval from parks and rec and joining together for fun, skating without the risk of being chased away from businesses or private parking areas by the cops.

While there has been a fair share of kvetching after city council passed regulations requiring the wearing of protective gear while riding at the park, we consider that background noise from malcontents who knew good and well some regulations were not only in order, but required by the state.

If those making the noise want that changed, they should practice what the people who saw a need for this park did and speak out. Those moaning about protective gear should express their views on the matter to their legislators instead of getting on social media and whining about it.

We see this park as a tool which can be used to showcase the ample recreational amenities we already have — ample parks, ballfields, indoor and outdoor pools and, of course, the Roanoke Canal Trail.

We see a day coming when this facility will be used for competitions and bringing a few more dollars into the area.

But the biggest thing we see is how a project of this nature shows government can be responsive to its citizens — Editor