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A state of the art skate park is wrapping up construction in the heart of Des Moines. Lauridsen Skatepark is set to be one of the biggest in the nation, and local leaders hope it will spark the attention of big events such as the X-Games from ESPN and Vans tournaments. Owner of Subsect Skateshop Kevin Jones has been advocating for the Des Moines skate community for decades.

For years, Jones said, “We had parks, small parks and with no ow. So the serious skateboarders wouldn’t go to those parks.”

When Lauridsen opens later this year, Des Moines will be making a serious statement to its skating community and a serious investment in the community as a whole. Jones said he hopes that the park will attract big events, a new generation of skaters and a broader audience.

“Think about it,” Jones said. “Couples are walking by river; they see the park then see a coffee shop. They’ll stop, get a coffee and watch the guys practice.”

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