October 3, 2010, Updated September 24, 2012

“Jerusalem will be joining leading cities around the world with a modern and professional skate park that will attract many visitors,” Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat announced recently.

The state-of-the-art skateboard park, to span 0.7 acres at an investment of about $1.3 million, is to open in the capital by the end of next year in Jerusalem’s Liberty Bell Park.

The idea originated with a group of Jerusalem teens, who met with representatives of the city’s sports authority and for about eight months protested the lack of world-class skateboarding facilities in the capital, until the mayor decided to grant their request.

According to plans, the new park will serve up to 70 skaters at once, and will be suitable for national and international competitions.

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