The 18,000-square-foot cement facility is arguably the finest in Northern California, says Scott Morton, supervisor with the city's department of parks and recreation.

The demand for a skatepark in Sunnyvale is huge, says Morton. He says skateboarders frequent De Anza Park and Lakewood Park in Sunnyvale currently, though the skating rinks were built in the 1960s and are outdated.

The city conducted a survey of Sunnyvale teenagers three years ago. Curtis Black, parks superintendent for the city, says there was an overwhelming number of requests for a skatepark.

The skatepark cost the city $570,000, which came from the city's general fund and moneys from Proposition 12. The city approved the building of the park in August 2000, and construction began last July.

Black says the new facility is different from others in the Bay Area because it is so large and has transition areas that allow for continuous skating. "The transition areas are slightly dipped so skateboarders can drop in on one end of the park and skate a long time before they have to pick up their boards," Black says.

The new facility can accommodate all levels of skaters, with smooth areas and side rails for beginners to deep bowls for experts. "Regardless of their ability, the park is designed for any skateboarder, Rollerblader or roller skater to use," Black says.

The city council passed an ordinance requiring skaters to wear a helmet, elbow pads and kneepads while using the facility. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Black says city officials will conduct routine stops to make sure skaters are following the rules. The skatepark ordinance allows public safety officers to ticket those who do not abide by the rules.

The park is undergoing final construction, and skaters are not allowed to use the facility until its official opening in May.

The grand opening ceremony will take place on May 2 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Fair Oaks Park at 540 N. Fair Oaks Avenue in Sunnyvale, and demonstrations will be held throughout the day.

In conjunction with the opening, the annual "Phatty Patty" concert—a "battle of the bands" type of event for teenagers—will take place all afternoon next to the skatepark in Fair Oaks Park.