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Portsmouth skateboard park, now named after local legend, is the center of the sport

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 13:00 GMT by WMUR
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Portsmouth Welcomes a New Skateboard Legacy: The Chris Rice Skateboard Park Opens in Downtown

Portsmouth’s downtown skyline is getting a new, vibrant feature—a state‑of‑the‑art skateboard park that pays homage to one of the city’s beloved locals, Chris Rice. Officially unveiled on Thursday, the Chris Rice Skateboard Park is the first dedicated skate venue in the city and is set to become a cultural hub for riders, families, and the broader community.

A Tribute to a Local Legend

Chris Rice, a Portsmouth native who grew up on the streets of the city, became a regional icon in the early 2010s. Known for his smooth style, creative tricks, and relentless passion, Rice was a mentor to many of the city’s younger skaters. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 27 after a sudden heart attack. The park’s dedication—“In Memory of Chris Rice” emblazoned on a steel plaque beside the entrance—serves both as a memorial and a testament to his impact on the local skate scene.

“We lost a great friend, but we also lost a pillar of the community,” said Mayor Michael Lehman at the dedication ceremony. “This park is a celebration of his life, a place where his legacy can keep riding for future generations.”

Design and Features

The park, which covers roughly 5,000 square feet of reclaimed space on the former parking lot of the city’s historic waterfront office complex, boasts a variety of features that cater to skaters of all skill levels. The centerpiece is a 12‑meter “Bowl 2” with a 5‑meter depth, designed by the local skate designer and former pro, Kelsey “Koko” Morrow. Nearby, a “Vertical 6” half‑pipe accommodates both beginners and seasoned riders, while a set of “Rails & Rails”—four long rails and two half‑rails—provides creative surface for grinding and sliding.

Other amenities include:

• Kicker Stairs: A 5‑step set for vertical tricks.
• Pop‑Up: A classic “T‑bar” to test vertical maneuvers.
• Mini‑Ramps: Two 2‑meter ramps for quick, short runs.
• Handrails: A set of steel rails that run along the perimeter.
• Concrete “Bump”: A small, 30‑centimeter bump that encourages aerial work.

The park’s design incorporates eco‑friendly materials—recycled steel, reclaimed wood, and locally sourced concrete—along with energy‑efficient LED lighting that illuminates the skate area for night sessions.

“It’s a space that feels like an extension of Portsmouth’s streets,” explained Morrow, who had been on the project board for the past two years. “The ramps echo the city’s brick sidewalks, and the railwork follows the flow of the old canal system.”

Funding and Community Involvement

The project was made possible through a multi‑layered funding strategy that combined city budget allocation, private donations, and a crowdfunding campaign. City officials earmarked $250,000 from the 2023 budget to cover construction and initial maintenance, while local businesses—including the Portsmouth Coffee Collective, the Dockside Brewery, and the historic Riverside Books—donated a total of $80,000 in cash and goods.

A community‑run crowdfunding effort on GoFundMe raised an additional $30,000 in under two weeks, attracting contributions from former residents, regional skate shops, and national sponsors such as Vans, Nike SB, and Revolution Skateboards. The city’s Portsmouth Youth Skate Initiative spearheaded outreach programs to involve local schools and community centers in the park’s operation and programming.

“Community involvement is the heart of this project,” said Sarah Bennett, director of the Youth Skate Initiative. “From designing the park’s layout to raising funds, every person here has a stake in this new space.”

The Opening Ceremony

The dedication ceremony featured an impressive lineup of local talent and officials. A half‑pipe demo was presented by the Portsmouth Junior Skate Team—an 8‑year‑old group that was given a dedicated training session on the park’s “Bowl 2” by professional skaters. The mayor’s speech was interspersed with a heartfelt video montage of Rice’s career highlights and personal anecdotes from friends.

After the ribbon‑cutting, the park opened for public skating. A group of riders, including Koko Morrow and local pro Daniel Sullivan, demonstrated the park’s features to an enthusiastic crowd. The city’s Police Department, who had participated in the park’s safety planning, also made a brief statement about the importance of creating a safe space for youth.

Looking Ahead: Programs and Safety

The City of Portsmouth is partnering with the National Skateboarding Association (NSA) to offer a schedule of weekly workshops, skating lessons, and safety clinics. The first program, “Beginner’s Boot Camp,” will run every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for kids aged 8–14. The NSA will also host monthly “Pro Meets” where seasoned skaters share techniques with the community.

The park’s safety plan, developed by a joint committee of the city’s Parks & Recreation Department and local skate shops, includes:

• On‑site lifeguard supervision during peak hours.
• First‑aid tents staffed by EMTs from the Portsmouth EMS.
• Regular maintenance checks by city inspectors.
• Dedicated “Skate Safe” signage that promotes helmet use and respectful riding etiquette.

Mayor Lehman emphasized that the park is not just a recreational spot but a tool for positive youth engagement. “We’re investing in the future of Portsmouth by giving our kids a place where they can thrive, learn, and build community,” he said.

The City’s Vision for Downtown Revitalization

The Chris Rice Skateboard Park is a key milestone in Portsmouth’s broader downtown revitalization strategy, which includes refurbishing the waterfront, enhancing pedestrian pathways, and boosting local businesses. City Planner Emily Hughes explained that the park will attract more visitors to the area, encouraging foot traffic to nearby cafés, boutiques, and cultural centers.

“By diversifying our downtown attractions, we’re creating a vibrant, inclusive environment that serves people of all ages,” Hughes said. “The skate park is a symbol of how we can merge youth culture with heritage preservation.”

Conclusion

With its grand opening, Portsmouth has added a dynamic, culturally rich venue that honors a local hero while serving the next generation of skateboarders. The Chris Rice Skateboard Park embodies the city’s commitment to community, innovation, and safe, inclusive recreation. As the first drops are taken from the park’s rails, one thing is clear: Portsmouth is riding into a new era—one where creativity, legacy, and progress spin in harmony.