TOPEKA (KSNT) — Rip-On Skate Park in Topeka has added four new solar-powered lights in an effort to extend the hours skaters can use the facility.
Shawnee County Parks and Recreation partnered with Fonroche Lighting America on the project. Officials said the lights operate independently from the electrical grid, eliminating the need for electrical connections and ongoing electricity costs.
Shawnee County Commissioner Bill Riphahn said the lighting has been a long time coming. The skate park first opened in 2004, and the new lights will allow skaters to use the facility later into the evening.
“The skaters wanted longer hours and we’re delivering here today,” Riphahn said.
Riphahn also hopes the improvements will attract more visitors from surrounding communities, particularly skaters who may not have access to a lighted skate park in their own town. He said Rip-On serves as a regional attraction and the new lighting could bring even more people to the facility.
The project aims to give skaters more time to enjoy the park while expanding opportunities for people to gather and participate in the sport.
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