Those who have tried out Saughton Skatepark have been raving about how fantastic it is compared with similar sites around the country. Hearing this makes the years of campaigning by the Edinburgh Skatepark Project and the efforts of this administraton all the more worthwhile.

Despite the harsh winter, Clachan Construction Limited pulled out all the stops and did an excellent job of building the facility, which I will be officially opening at 1pm today. We've had fantastic support from the local community too, for which we are very grateful.

Vital funding was provided by sportscotland and WREN, while professional street artists have worked with children from Balgreen and Stenhouse primaries to design and decorate the ramps and bowls.

A welcome spin-off is news that a leading skate hardware and clothes retailer is to open nearby, bringing jobs and a boost to the local economy.

This is also another string to Edinburgh's bow for leading attractions. Providing a dedicated site for boarders – as well as rollerbladers and BMXers – was important because so many enthusiasts of all ages take part in the sports. Skateparks are a safe place for riders to practise, taking them off the streets and away from the dangers posed by traffic.

The benefits of fresh air and exercise are well known, even to teenagers, but getting them excited about the prospect is another thing. The skatepark provides them with an opportunity to take part in a physical activity that many of them clearly love, and that helps boost their confidence as they gain new skills.

So, parents now have the perfect suggestion when their offspring complain that they are bored – check out what's going on at Saughton Skatepark.

Councillor Deidre Brock is culture and leisure convener for Edinburgh City Council