Summer Skate Fest and New Skate Park Opening in Round Rock

It's a big weekend coming up for the Central Texas skateboarding community with the grand opening of a brand-spanking-new skate park in Round Rock and the fourth-annual installment of the Summer Skate Fest.

The Summer Skate Fest is being hosted by Tekgnar and the city of Austin and is free to the public and the skating contests are open to all ages and skill levels. Skateboarders will compete for prizes in two divisions (14-and-under and 15-up) and dazzle the crowd with their Tony Hawk-inspired tricks. DJ Manny will be spinning some skater-friendly jams, the Austin Fire Department will be showing off a big red truck for the kids, and there will be lots of delicious food with the proceeds benefiting various Austin-area charities. This all takes place on Saturday, July 21 at the Mabel Davis Skatepark (3427 Parker Ln., 472-7343). Registration and practice runs from 10-11:45am with the contest taking place between noon and 5pm. Did I mention it's free?

And that's not all, this Friday, July 20 is the rescheduled (three times) grand opening of the new 14,000-square-foot Round Rock Skate Park. This facility features a bowl and several street elements, including ledges, rails, and banks. The festivities run from 6-10pm and will feature a demo from pro skaters, a skate contest with prizes for the winners (sorry losers), and refreshments from local vendors for those in attendance. This is free as well. The new skate park is located behind the Clay Madsen Recreation Center at 1600 Gattis School Rd. in Round Rock. For more info call (512) 218-5540 or click here.