When the Costa Mesa Skatepark opened 20 years ago, it was hailed as one of the premier places to skate, drawing people from near and far.
Read more Ketanji Brown Jackson says Supreme Court risks being seen as political after voting rights decision
Now, two decades later, it’s getting a much-needed upgrade with a $2 million boost from the county.
City and county leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony at the skatepark on Monday, May 18, to launch the expansion of the facility, with plans for a more modern skateboarding destination for the region.
The project is the latest among communities investing in their skateparks, with Lake Forest officials earlier this month approving a final concept for a $2.1 million expansion of the Etnies Skatepark to add more beginner and intermediate skateboarders and a place for BMX and other wheeled riders.
San Juan Capistrano last summer opened its 20,000-square-foot skatepark, a $6.8 million project that was 20 years in the making.
Skateboarding, a counter-culture sport once frowned upon in the mainstream, has gained popularity in recent years. The sport reached the Olympic stage in 2020.
The Volcom Costa Mesa Skatepark project got a boost in 2022 when Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley’s office awarded $2 million to Costa Mesa to double the size of the park.
Read more Video and satellite photos show Iran war oil spill on Persian Gulf island
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, center, is joined by Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens, center right, and other city officials to break ground for the Costa Mesa Skate Park expansion in Costa Mesa on Monday, May 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Public Works Director Raja Sethuraman talks about what it took to make the Costa Mesa Skate Park expansion a reality during a groundbreaking event in Costa Mesa on Monday, May 18, 2026. Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley is at right. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, center right, joins city officials during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Costa Mesa Skate Park expansion in Costa Mesa on Monday, May 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Brian Mank of Costa Mesa hugs Supervisor Katrina Foley after a groundbreaking ceremony for the Costa Mesa Skate Park expansion in Costa Mesa on Monday, May 18, 2026. “I can’t believe it is actually happening,” said Mank, a long time member of the skateboarding community. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer).
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley is all smiles after a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Costa Mesa Skate Park facility in Costa Mesa on Monday, May 18, 2026. Foley joined forces with the city of Costa Mesa to advance the expansion. Mayor John Stephens is at right. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer).
Joined by Supervisor Katrina Foley, center right, and city officials, Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens, center, addresses those attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Costa Mesa Skate Park in Costa Mesa on Monday, May 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, left, and Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens take part in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Costa Mesa Skate Park expansion in Costa Mesa on Monday, May 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
“The community asked and we delivered,” Foley said in a statement. “For more than a decade, I have pushed this project forward and worked to create safe spaces where young people can exercise, build friendships, and connect with their community. This project reflects years of collaboration and community input.”
The current park has about 15,000 square feet of skateboarding space with street elements, bowls and transition areas.
The goal is to expand by another 15,000 square feet, with a street-style setup and a pump track among the new features. The project would also add viewing areas at the park, extend fencing to encompass the new facility and provide security systems, lights and cameras.
After receiving funding from Foley’s office, the city hosted public meetings to review design concepts and gather community feedback.
In June 2023, the Costa Mesa City Council approved funding for the skate park design and expansion, contracting with David Volz Design Landscape Architects, Inc. and Spohn Ranch to lead project development.
The expansion is expected to be complete in spring 2027. The existing skate park will remain open to the public.
Read more Wall Street points lower and oil prices remain above $100 with Iran a dominant force in markets