Amateurs, Pros Skate Together at Etnies Expansion Party

Skateboarders of all ages and abilities flocked to on Saturday for a party celebrating the park's recent expansion.

The new section, which made Etnies the largest free skate park in the nation, , three weeks ahead of schedule, and immediately boosted park attendence.

On Saturday, big names in the professional skateboarding world—including Pierre-Andre Senizergues, owner of Etnies—turned out to ride the park for the grand opening celebration.

A group of pros sponsored by Etnies, including Orange County's Ryan Sheckler, put on a demonstration for spectators, showing off on the features of the newly expanded park.

Amateurs join the fun

Skating alongside them afterward were some who are brand new to the action sport.

"This is his first time," said Laguna Niguel resident George Craven, pointing at his 8-year-old son, Wills.

Wills, easily visible in a neon yellow T-shirt, descended cautiously into one of the skate park's bowls, picking up speed as he rolled away from the lip.

Craven said he and his wife heard about the skate park from another Laguna Niguel couple, whose son attended a recent skate camp at the park.

The Saccullos, who attended Saturday's celebration with the Craven family, watched their son Connor, also 8, as he skated with Wills.

"He's been skating since he was 4," said Connor's mother, Shannon. Connor loaned Wills a board and protective gear for Saturday.

Simulated swimming pool

The park brought back memories of growing up in Santa Cruz in the late 1970s for David Saccullo, who recalled how the 1976 California drought sent skateboarders into emptied backyard swimming pools.

A backyard pool feature, complete with tile edging and a set of shallow-end steps, was one of the most popular parts of the expansion Saturday.

"It's beautiful," Saccullo said, watching as skaters sailed through the park. "It's a grand slam."