Mayor shows love to skateboarders, lifts ban in Love Park

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FILE - In this June 21, 2005 file photo, skateboarders participate in an international "Wild in the Streets" event to raise awareness of the skateboarding community in Love Park in Philadelphia. On Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016, city officials broke ground on a 6.5 million, yearlong renovation of the park, requiring a temporary relocation of the park\'s namesake Robert Indiana sculpture, expected to receive about four months of restoration work. (Mike Mooney/The Evening Bulletin via AP, File) PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER OUT; PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS OUT; METRO OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT

PHILADELPHIA – Skateboarders in Philadelphia are feeling the love from Love Park now that the mayor has temporarily lifted a ban on skating there until it closes for renovations.

Democratic Mayor Jim Kenney made the announcement Wednesday during a groundbreaking ceremony for the park and welcome centre’s $20 million facelift.

The park is a skateboarding haven. Kenney urges skaters to take advantage of it until it closes Feb. 15. He tells skaters they’re “part of the fabric” of Love Park. He says granite removed during the overhaul will be used in skate parks across the city.

Skater Luke Darigan tells The Philadelphia Inquirer he’s taking time off work to make the most of the opportunity.

Robert Indiana’s iconic “LOVE” statue will be moved across the street to City Hall’s Dilworth Plaza during the yearlong renovation.

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