A new skate park is proving to be a hangout spot known for positive vibes and support.

The skate facility, located in Telulah Park on East Newberry Street in Appleton, opened in the spring of 2015. The idea to build a skate park had been up in the air for around five years, starting in 2009, and finally the dream was turned into a reality in the late fall of 2014. The construction of the park cost around $265,000, and the skate park consists of a plaza/street style with transitional elements and a bowl, according to Dean Gazza, the director of Parks, Recreation & Facilities Management.

“The park contains tons of transitional pieces and has a great street course, which gives it more variety than other skate parks,” Gazza said.

The skate park is free, and skaters are allowed to skate from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., when the park lights shut off.

People of all ages visit the park throughout the day to practice their skills. Although the park is mostly visited by teenagers, there is a mix of older individuals that create a unique group of people at the park. “Even though it is a skate park, it is wheel friendly and open to bikers and rollerskaters,” Gazza said.

Local skateboarder and North student Jake Szabo shared his views on the skate park. “Just having a common meeting spot… it’s really nice having one in your backyard,” Szabo said.

The skate park is known as a common hangout spot for teenagers in town. Compared to other skate parks, the one at Telulah is well kept. Other parks made of wood can be worn away by elements and have more problems and risks, but at Telulah the concrete park is an easy ride.

Szabo said the atmosphere is always positive at the skate park, and everyone is supportive of each other. “It’s a constructive environment. You help people who are trying to learn stuff,” Szabo said. “The one thing definitely needed for anybody wanting to start skateboarding is to keep a positive attitude and to have fun.”