It was 2009 that it went down.  And, Venice Paparazzi was on the scene to document it all.  Check out the pics below!

• Aug. 3, 2009 V.S.A and Recreation and Parks meeting to discuss the Grand Opening of the Venice Skatepark
• Jan. 31, 2009.  Venice Skate Park Ground Breaking
• Oct. 3, 009.  Le Grande VIP Skate Party
• Oct. 3, 009.  Grand Opening of the Venice Skate Park

Here is the 2009 official announcement from the City of Los Angeles:

Councilmember Bill Rosendahl joined professional and amateur skaters from around the country to celebrate the grand opening of the long awaited Venice Beach Skate Park. The Venice area is widely credited as the birthplace of modern skateboarding and skaters have long frequented the Ocean Front Walk area. When the City of Los Angeles renovated Venice Beach in 1999-2001, skaters demanded the City honor that legacy and build an official skate park. City officials responded, and this weekend a new 16,000 square foot skate facility now joins the many other distinctive attractions that are part of Venice ’s landscape. Design input from local skaters and skating professionals helped make the Venice Beach Skate Park one of the most challenging arenas for skaters to ride. The facility rivals other skate parks around the world but stands out as one of the only skate parks located on a beach. The $2.4 million project was paid from a variety of City funding sources secured by Rosendahl and his predecessors: Quimby Funds, Damson Oil Facility Restoration Funds, Venice Area Surplus Real Property Trust Funds and Capital Improvement Expenditure Programs.

View or re-live the 2009 Venice Skate Park Grand Opening

All photos by Venice Paparazzi

View all Venice Skate and Surf photo galleries by Venice Paparazzi