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Portsmouth Council renames skatepark for community leader Chris Rice
Summary
After public comments from dozens of skaters, family and business owners, the Portsmouth City Council voted unanimously June 20 to rename the city skatepark the Chris Rice Skateboard Park, honoring a decades‑long local advocate for skateboarding and youth programming.
The Portsmouth City Council voted unanimously June 20 to rename the city skatepark the Chris Rice Skateboard Park, honoring a longtime local skateboard advocate who helped build and sustain the community around the park.
Friends, family and skaters told the council during an extended public comment period that Chris Rice ran a local skate shop, organized fundraising and took a hands‑on role in designing and maintaining the park. Supporters said renaming the facility would preserve Rice’s legacy of mentoring youth and building community.
Speakers at City Hall described Rice as a mentor and organizer who lobbied for years for a dedicated park, donated time and materials and stayed involved in maintenance. “Chris had a passion for skateboarding. He had a passion for kids that were interested, and he would do anything to help…
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