VENICE, CALIF. — On Saturday, Aug. 15, the Venice community will gather at the Original Venice Skatepark for a grand reopening celebration presented by The Skatepark Project and Nicolai Marciano. The free, public event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, open skate, live music and food, honoring Venice’s long-standing impact on skateboarding.
The Original Venice Skatepark has been renovated thanks to the generosity of Nicolai Marciano, with project management and design support from The Skatepark Project, bringing the space to contemporary standards of accessibility, durability and appeal. The project was designed with input from original Venice pro skating legend Jesse Martinez, Juice Martinez, pro skater Ishod Wair, Jim Callans, Dan Levy of Juice Magazine, West Los Angeles native and skatepark designer Alec Beck and Venice legend Richard Massie.
Since the 1970s, Venice Beach has stood as one of the most prominent skateboarding destinations in the world. For decades, it has welcomed generations of skateboarders from around the globe, serving as a place where the culture has continued to evolve while cementing its place as one of skateboarding’s most influential landmarks.
“For generations, Venice has been a place where skateboarding brings people together. We’re grateful to support this project alongside The Skatepark Project, LA Recreation and Parks, and the local community, helping ensure this skatepark continues to inspire creativity, foster community and welcome the next generation for years to come.” — Nicolai Marciano
“This project is a perfect example of what’s possible when partners share a commitment to getting more kids on boards. Venice has shaped skateboarding culture for decades, and thanks to Nicolai Marciano, Council member Traci Park, and LA Recreation and Parks, it’s now built to serve this community for decades more.” — Benjamin Bashein, CEO, The Skatepark Project
GRAND REOPENING — MEDIA DETAILS
- WHO: The Venice skateboarding community, The Skatepark Project, Nicolai Marciano, Councilmember Traci Park, Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, and special guests.
- WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
- WHERE: Original Venice Skatepark, 1500 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, Calif.
Programming throughout the afternoon will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m., followed by an open-to-the-public free skate with pro appearances, giveaways, a DJ set by Blondie Beach and TYNDAKUT, and food from Burger She Wrote, a pro-skater-owned Los Angeles restaurant.
About The Skatepark Project
Founded by Tony Hawk in 2002, The Skatepark Project is a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to outdoor recreation and free play in underserved communities by creating safe and inclusive skateparks and activating them. TSP has helped build close to 700 skateparks across all 50 states, enjoyed by an estimated 17 million people annually. For more information, visit skatepark.org.
Founded by Tony Hawk in 2002, The Skatepark Project is a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to outdoor recreation and free play in underserved communities by creating safe and inclusive skateparks and activating them. TSP has helped build close to 700 skateparks across all 50 states, enjoyed by an estimated 17 million people annually. For more information, visit skatepark.org.