Take Advantage of Dunedin's Skate Park

It's only fitting that the longest day of the year (Summer Solstice) and the official first day of summer is also International Go Skateboarding Day.

Yes, a day dedicated to brushing off all other obligations and going skateboarding. It started in in 2003 with a small group of colleagues skating to the Huntington Beach Pier in California and has grown into a worldwide event. Last year, millions participated in more than 500 events, according to the International Association of Skateboard Companies.

To celebrate, Dunedin's Stirling Skate Parkat the is open late (from 2 to 11 p.m.). That's two extra hours to blow off steam doing flip tricks, slides and grinds and aerials on 10,000 square feet of bowls, rails and banks right in Dunedin.

Skate fees may still apply. The cost is $7, $4 with a Parks & Rec ID card or $2 with a Skate Park membership (there's a $25 annual fee for those 20 and younger, or $50 for those 21 and older).

Can't make it? Here's a look at the park's other offerings:

Several Skate Camps are offered through the summer. Here are upcoming weeks to put on the calendar:

• June 27 through July 1
• July 11 through 15
• July 25 through 29
• August 8 through 12

Typical Hours

• Stirling Skate Park typically opens at 2 p.m. on weekdays.
• It typically closes at 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Mondays.
• On weekends, the park opens at noon. It closes at 8 p.m. on Saturday and 6 p.m. on Sunday.