This is a press release courtesy of Willamalane Park and Recreation District

A unique, Danish-made skateboard simulator – the first of its kind in the United States – was unveiled today at the dedication of Willamalane Park and Recreation District’s new Rob Adams Park in southeast Springfield. Get directions

Situated in the Thurston area’s MountainGate subdivision, the 6.5-acre park features the Miram Skater, a 20-foot-long thrill ride that allows the adventurous to simulate skateboarding by whooshing along one of two “boards” affixed to parallel rails.

In addition to the skateboard ride, the park also features a Kompan Galaxy futuristic play structure. Other amenities include a unique, 25-foot seasonal waterfall; expansive city views; basketball court; wetland pond; picnic area; swing sets and open play areas.

“You might call this a Cinderella story, in which an old basalt rock quarry is transformed into a beautiful park,” said Jake Risley, project manager and Willamalane’s landscape architect and parks planner.

Speakers at the Thursday, May 15, ceremony included Willamalane Superintendent Bob Keefer; Mark Vukanovich, managing member of the Bend-based development firm SunTrust Land Co.; Lee Beyer, chairman, Willamalane Board of Directors; and Sid Leiken, mayor of Springfield.

The park was named after former Willamalane Board of Directors member Rob Adams, whose more than 20 years of service included stints on both the Budget Committee and the Board.  Adams’ work helped secure funding for the development of several Willamalane parks.

Future developments at Rob Adams Park will include a native wetlands garden and a trail system connecting to approximately 80 acres of adjacent forested land that Willamalane intends to purchase over time.

Risley said funding for the park project does not come from property tax dollars.  Instead, it comes from Park System Development Charges paid by developers of residential developments within the part district.  When complete, the park’s total cost will be approximately $350,000, which includes costs for storm water drainage systems, site furnishings, pathways, and landscaping, among other improvements.

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 Willamalane Park and Recreation District, created by voters in 1944, maintains and operates four recreation facilities and 35 parks and open spaces that make up more than 70 acres. Willamalane offers hundreds of recreation programs to more than 57,000 patrons in an 18-square-mile area that extends beyond Springfield city limits. It is a special tax district, separate from the city of Springfield , governed by a five-member, elected board of directors and managed by a district superintendent. Additional information is available at http://www.willamalane.org.