DeKalb has a new skatepark open for skateboarding and roller-blading enthusiasts.

The park is located at Katz Park on Dresser Road just east of Normal Road, about two miles northeast of campus. The skatepark measures 125 feet by 125 feet, which equals 15,625 square feet.

DeKalb Park District project manager Brad Garrison said he anticipates the park will provide a new place for skaters to enjoy.

“It’s great because it gives the kids a place to go where they don’t have to deal with the cops,” he said, “and where they can all hang out without getting in trouble.”

Garrison was approached by a group of kids who requested a chance at having a skatepark built in DeKalb. Garrison, the park district advisory board and the kids later traveled to regional skateparks, including Chicago’s Burnham Skatepark, which is on Lake Shore Drive.

The budget for DeKalb’s skatepark was $75,000. The costs were minimal compared to Burnham, measuring about 20,000 square feet at a cost of $1.5 million to build.

Because the DeKalb Park District didn’t have a big budget, the park district used resources it already had.

“We used labor, skills and design that we already had here at the park district,” Garrison said.

The park district settled on Katz Park because of its size. The park is a larger area with space for more expansion. It also helps that the lights keep the park lit later in the day so kids can stay longer, Garrison said.

Graffiti markings have been an issue at the skatepark. Garrison was unaware if any of the graffiti was gang-related, but said it’s part of the sport.

The skaters seem to be taking advantage of the new park already. Many of its visitors frequently use the park.

“I came the last couple days,” said freshman undecided major Dan Krueger. “It would be cool if it was bigger, but it’s still cool.”

The park district has received high reviews about the skatepark.

“The kids that lobbied for it came back twice to talk with us on how well done it was,” Garrison said.

Skateparks already are being built in the surrounding areas of Rochelle and Genoa.

“It’s good to see because it’s one of the fastest-growing sports,” Garrison said.