Skate Park Opens Friday In Garfield Park

CHICAGO (CBS)-- A community plaza and roller rink opens in West Garfield Park Friday.

The rink is set to open on Madison Street near Pulaski Road.

It's part of a violence prevention initiative with the City of Chicago. According to statistics from the city, West Garfield Park is one of the top 15 neighborhoods experiencing gun violence.

City leaders say the rink and community plaza engages the park district, Chicago police and other departments to infuse family fun into the neighborhood.

But during the ground breaking, back in June, there were community leaders who argued that adding a park will attract lots of children.

In an area experiencing gun violence, they argued it will put those kids at risk.

Still, the park opens with a ribbon cutting set for 11:15 a.m.