Lauridsen Skatepark in the running for 'best new attraction' in the U.S. in USA TODAY's 10Best competition
Downtown Des Moines' Lauridsen Skatepark, the largest of its kind in the United States, is vying for the honor of the country's “best new attraction" in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers' Choice competition.
The contest covers a wide array of highlights in communities across the country, including food, lodging and destinations. Travel experts selected the top 20, and readers will decide which among those are the year's "10Best."
Since opening in May, Lauridsen Skatepark has been home to Olympic-qualifying events, lessons for kids from across the metro and a place for skaters of all ages to hone and showcase their talents.
“Expect skateboarders from around the country to start making pilgrimages to this incredible setup," 10Best contributor Eric Grossman wrote.
More this fall: Vast mural project to be focus of party Sunday at Des Moines' Lauridsen Skatepark
The skatepark features more than 88,000-square-feet of “skate-able” terrain and multiple skating elements, including a promenade, a skateable “WOW” sculpture, competitive street and park courses, a “snake run” and a large spectator park.
The skatepark topped the contest's leaderboard Tuesday. It's followed in readers' votes by the Van Gogh Exhibition, which can be found in several cities throughout the United States, Minneapolis' Water Works Park and Pavilion and a Mermaid Museum, which can be found in Berlin, Maryland.
Voting has already begun, and readers can vote online, at 10best.com/awards/travel/best-new-attraction, once per day through Dec. 20. The winners will be announced at noon on Dec. 31.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: USA TODAY's 10Best: Iowa skatepark nominated for 'best new attraction'
