Top amateur skateboarders will compete for $3,000 in prize money in “best trick contests” at the opening celebration for the new Highland Center Skate Plaza on Friday, May 16, 3:30 to 10 p.m.

Professionals with the Nike SB skateboarding team, which includes probably the most recognizable skateboarder today, “P-Rod” (Paul Rodriguez), will offer demonstrations.

The Highland Skate Plaza, a 12,000-square-foot, lighted plaza featuring “street skating” elements including curbs, rails, stairs and “Jersey barriers,” complements the 14-year-old indoor Bellevue Skate Park at the same location. Highland Park is at 14224 N.E. Bel-Red Road.

The $750,000 project was funded by a King County Youth Sports Facility Grant, the Washington Resource Conservation Office and the Bellevue Neighborhood Enhancement and Bellevue Youth Link programs.

The city of Bellevue and Scion are the event’s presenting co-sponsors. Other sponsors include: Nike SB, Trader Joe’s, Talking Rain, Grindline Skate parks, YMCA Bellevue, Manik Skateboards (Seattle), Stussy, 35th skateshop, Trickwood Skateshop, Goods, Deluxe, Anti Hero, Real Krooked, Spitfire wheels, Thunder trucks, Force Trucks, Diamond, DGK skateboards, expedition Skateboards, Organika, Gold Wheels and Dirty Bearings.

Bellevue is also home to the Crossroads Skate Bowl, which opened in 2006, and the Lakemont Skate Court, which opened in 2005.