(Des Moines, IA) -- The largest skatepark in America is having its grand opening today in Downtown Des Moines. Lauridsen Skatepark Fundraising Committee Co-Chair Brad Anderson says it has been a 17 year project to open the park which is 88,000 square feet of skateable terrain. Today at 4:30 P.M. donors and stakeholders will get a tour of the park and then skateboarders in the community will be able to officially skate the park. Anderson says skateboarders of all ages and skill level will be able to enjoy the park. Anderson says just one regional or international event could earn $4 to $5-million in local economic development. He also says the large park puts Des Moines on the map internationally for skateboarding. The Dew-Tour Olympic qualifying event is May 20-23. Skateboarding will be at the Olympics for the first time this Summer in Tokyo.