After years of planning and fundraising, the renovated Matt Hughes Skatepark officially repened on Saturday.
People of all ages from across the Grand Strand got on their skateboards and christened the new skatepark during it’s grand opening ceremony.
“When I saw the new sign up there, I cried. Now my little brother’s name will always fly in the sky,” said Noel Hughes.
It’s been 20 years since Hughes lost her brother Matt to a skateboarding accident. She said she’s watched the park, named in his honor, degrade in the years since.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long. This park was in such bad shape, and I didn’t think this would ever happen,” Hughes said.
The park’s deteriorating wood and metal structures were replaced with concrete. Dedications to Matt’s memory are also spread throughout the park. Aaron Frobase with the Pepper Geddings Recreation Center has been a part of the project from the very start.
“We had to do something to reignite his name and let him know that he’s forever honored and now he’s honored in cement which isn’t going to fall apart for a long time,” he said.
With the new additions and upgrades, Hughes hopes the skatepark will be a home away from home for all the people who share her brother’s passion.
“A safe and fun environment for kids, kids that don’t have a place to go when they get out of school who come from broken homes, who don’t play any other sports, this is what they love to do,” she said.
“It’s needed! It’s a needed part of our community. There is no age limit to it, I plan to do it till I’m 70,” added Frobase.
Hughes feels the park now does her brother’s legacy justice.
“Oh my God he would be so proud. I just know he’s looking down on us with just a big smile on his face. I know he is,” she sad.
The project committee is now looking to phase two of the renovation, which consists of replacing a wooden half pipe with a concrete bowl.
