LoRes-TV: Bethlehem's Skateplaza

Fine for illegal skateboarding: $100. One outdoor skate plaza: $1.2 million. Hours of fresh air, exercise and my parents knowing where I am: Priceless.

A satisfied skater held a sign with that message last week at the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Bethlehem Skateplaza, billed as a world class skate plaza that will feature progressive design that replicates urban elements from around the world (like Philadelphia's Love Park) and immense size--the 40,000 square foot facility has a 750-foot long skating area.

The venue will provide a safe and secure environment for both skaters and BMX riders and be capable of hosting regional and national skate and BMX event5s. Part of the City of Bethlehem's South Bethlehem Greenway Project, the plaza is going to transform three miles of an old railroad bed into a recreational and pedestrian open space area.