CHARLES CITY -- The grand reopening of the city's skate park will be Saturday in Lions Field Park.

The event will roll from 4 to 7 p.m. with skills clinics held at 4 and 5 p.m. for beginner and intermediate skateboarders, respectively.

Competition for three skill levels will begin at 6 p.m. Prizes, including wheels, decks, skate keys and shirts, will be awarded to the winners, said Jill Orthel, development specialist for the Floyd County Youth Coalition, who helped organize the renovation.

Demonstrations will be presented throughout the afternoon and evening. Food and beverages will be for sale. Organizers suggest spectators should bring lawn chairs.

Donations will be accepted for the clinics. The fee to participate in the skateboard competition is $10. Proceeds will go to support and maintain the skate park.

Participants in the skateboard competition must wear a helmet and present a signed parental release form, Orthel said. Release forms are available online at ccsk8.awardspace.com. Other information about the Charles City Skate Park is also available on the site.

The park features newly painted ramps and new lighting, Orthel said. SkatersBlend, a riding surface resistant to fire and weather, is being installed on ramp tops.

Charles City youths played a pivotal role in upgrading the park, which opened in May 2003. Brad McKenzie, the father of a skateboarder, also contributed time and expertise to the project, including creating the park's Web site, Orthel said.

Contact Kristin Buehner at (641) 421-0533 or kristin.buehner@globegazette.com.