Skateboarding Business Shopping Halloween Holidays |
How to get Back to the Grind USA Today, June 29, 2004 By Marco R. della Cava Summer's here, and the time is right for poppin' an ollie (getting airborne while the skateboard sticks to your soles) or walking the dog (advancing the board end over end). Or maybe you just want to feel the pavement click-clicking by under your humming urethane wheels. Either way, if you're a mom eager to return to the pavement or a newcomer to the sport, Patty Segovia, founder of the All Girl Skate Jam competitions, has some female-focused advice. "To have fun and feel more confident, go to a skate park with a group of girls," Segovia says. "Nothing is more powerful than a ollective consciousness." Ladies' nights, a common feature of most parks, are a great way to shed initial jitters, although you'll never be alone at most parks. "About 25 percent of park skaters are female," Segovia says. For a constantly updated lisk of parks, check in with the Skate Park Association of the USA. Be sure to greet the concrete with the right gear. "Helmets as well as knee and elbow pads are a must," Segovia says. And Darth Vader black isn't the only color option; Bell Helmets offers models in pink, gray, and light blue. Though skateboards are unisex, manufactures such as Curly Grrlz cater to a woman's aesthetic with softer graphics and colors. Ditto skate clothing; Segovia is keen on the "loose-fitting but still girly" styles offered by Nikita and Xtreme Angel. Check out Check It Out, a girls-only skate magazine that will make any women feel as if she's surfing an unstoppable cultural wave. |
Dude, That's my Mom! USA Today, June 29, 2004 By Marco R. della Cava Laguna Niguel, CA--Something is amiss in this concrete jungle of a skateboard park. The usual suspects are there, boys with black T-shirts whose wobbly voices ping-pong between bird chirps and ape grunts. But a different breed os skater has just laid claim to this testosterone-soaked turf, distinguishable by the uncool need to be supernice. Just listen. After one skater falls, he's greeted with, "Are you OK?" When a runaway skateboard trips a regular, the cry is instant, "Sorry about that!" This can only be Skateboard Mom, believed extinct after years of watching her equipment collect dust and her youth slip away. Not so fast, punk. "It's all about recapturing that flow, that buzz, that wind-in-your-hair feel, and also coming home bloody," says Odanaka, 41, author of the biographical children's book Skateboard Mom and a founder of the Web-based International Society of Skateboarding Moms. "With every new member, we hear the same thing, 'I can't believe other women are doing this.'" More than ever. Since starting her organization a few months ago, Okanaka has heard such cries from as far away as Argentina. Some of those women may join a pilgrimage to Saturday's International Girls World Championships in San Francisco, organized by All Girl Skate Jam founder Patty Segovia, whose motto is "all ages, all abilities, all girls." And anyone looking to join next year's Jam might consider signing up for "Girls Learn to Ride," coast-to-coast clinics sponsored by beachwear giant Ocean Pacific. "People in the scene always knew women ripped, but it has taken 10 years for them to climb back," says Michael Brooke, publisher of Concrete Wave magazine. "There remains an underlying sentiment that women don't belong, but many guys are being less negative, and many women are pushing hard against it." "The magazine occasionally spotlights female standouts," he says, "but we're dedicated to showcasing a certain level of talent, and with female skaters, well, it's the same difference as the NBA and WNBA." Skateboarding exploded with a populist bang in the '70s, only to grow exclusionary and dangerous. If you didn't skate "vert"--think superstar tony Hawk's risk-defying ramp-aided vertical acrobatics--you didn't skate. Though true die-hards always will risk arrest for risky rides, women of all ages find that orderly parks are more nurturing. "People always think of skateboarding as this tough scene, but I'm always out there with kids and their parents, just one big happy skate family," says Lyn-Z Adams, 14, a phenom from Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, who skates for the all-girl Roxy squad. "Growing up, I wanted to be like my brother," she says. "But today, maybe other young girls will want to be like me." Be like Lyn-Z. It doesn't have that Michael Jordan ring yet, but that isn't stopping a marketplace keenly aware of the $1.4 billion in retail sales generated annually by about 14 million U.S. skaters. The merchandising starts with tyke-aimed toys such as Skateboard Shannon (grab the remote control and watch her wheelie) and extends to women-only clothing and skateboard lines such as Curly Grrlz and Rookie (though other than girlie graphics, women's boards resemble men's boards). ConCrete Divas, a new Boise-based company, started making hats, T-shirts, and sweatshirts for the fairer skateboarder in February and already has seen local demand outstrip supply. "I was teaching skateboarding and started to notice how many girls were out there. though so many of them didn't have the right clothes," company founder Josh Schmitz says. "Girls either wore their brothers' ragged, baggy clothes or really tight stuff, which obviously is no good if you wipe on concrete." A similar sense of entrepreneurship seized day care teacher Faye Richards, 23, of Albuquerque, who recently started Second Wind, a quarterly magazine for area skate fans, many of whom are mothers like her. "Five years ago, I knew no one who skated," she says. "Now, it's new women every time you go out. This is about to blow up." One scene veteran agreens that things are looking very much as they did a few decades ago, when the sport had more to do with fun than fury. "There's definitely a renaissance going on, and it's not just with girls coming back," says Stacy Peralta, director of the celebrated 2001 documentary Dogtown and Z-Boys. "The older folks, now settled, are looking to recapture that moment in their life when they felt truly liberated and free. For many, that was skateboarding." Here at this pristine skatepark, an oasis of unblemished concrete just south of Los Angeles, Odanka and a half-dozen other skateboarding moms are grinding away as a searing guitar solo blasts over the loud speakers. "For kids, I prefer skateboarding to Ritalin," says Sunny Elizabeth, 37, a single mom sharing quality time with her brood: Vienna, 17, Carly, 15, and Caity, 9. "It's a good way for them to channel their estrogen. I want them to beat the boys at their own game." For Elizabeth, a family that skates together, stays together: "I don't give my girls cell phones. I come here with them and skate. It keeps me young, and I know all about the newest music." "I stopped for 25 years, but I never stopped loving it. I'd walk into skateboard shops to gawk like most women do in jewelry stores. It's a sickness," says the woman with 19 skateboards. After a stressful time following the birth of her son, a therapist encouraged her to seek out something from her youth that simply made her smile. Done. "I was never the sorority type," she says, adjusting her helmet and looking at her friends. "But this is definitly my kind of sorority." Character building comes up often in conversation with this group. Fun with a message. "There's always a lot of ladies out here when I'm skating, and I think it's cool," Taylor St. Romain says. He lets out a small, 12-year-old sign, "I wish my mom skateboarded." |
Skateboarding Mums Come out of the Closet Yahoo! News, July 8, 2004 By Lisa Von Ahn New York--Say "skateboarding," and most people think of underachieving, preadolescent boys personified by television's cartoon slacker, Bart Simpson. Say "mum," and skateboarding is probably the last thing to come to most people's minds. Barbara Odanaka, the founder of the International Society of Skateboarding Mums, wants to change all that. "I like to challenge the stereotypes of mums and skaters," said Odanaka, who lives in Laguna Beach, California, with her husband and 7-year-old son. "Not all skaters are 12-year-old challenging authority." Still, most women who like to skateboard think they're the only ones who practice the sport, even though it was popular among girls as well as boys during its heyday in the 1970s. "Thirty years ago, it was so acceptable to be a girl skater," said Odanaka, 41. "To me, it stands to reason that I couldn't be the only one who has grown up and still obsesses about it." Her organization seeks to help these women find each other. Through her Web site, Skate Board Mom, and media coverage including a recent appearance on ABC's Good Morning America, the group has grown to about 70 women from two since February. Members, who don't have to pay any dues or fees, are from across the United States, as well as Britain, Canada, Argentina, Australia, France, and Denmark. They range from beginners to competitive racers and despite the organization's name motherhood is not a requirement. "I encourage all women," Odanaka said, "but especially women of a certain age." Among these women is 80-year-old Liz Bevington of Santa Monica, California, who took up skateboarding 28 years ago when her son Jason was a child. "I thought it would be fun," said Bevington, who has earned the nickname Skateboard Mama. She and 18 other women showed their stuff in May--on Mother's Day--at the group's first "mighty Mama Skate-O-Rama: in Laguna Niguel, California. A second gathering in New York in late June drew seven participants. Other skate-o-ramas are planned for Long Beach, California, and Portland, Oregon, in August and Newburyport, Massachusetts, in September. In New York, Odanka and the other skateboarders showed off their best moves and helped each other learn new ones. Lisa Woodward, who with her teen-age daughters races in the American Cup Slalom Series for skateboarders, had never tackled a ramp before but was happy to find that she could handle it fairly easily. Alison McGuire skated on two boards at once, a move that drew admiring glances from parkgoers. The 38-year-old mother of two came up from Exton, Pennsylvania. "You never find another mum to skate with," she said. At each event, members also take part in the group's Rolling for Reading program to promote children's literacy. In New York, the women handed out free books to children in the city parks where they skateboarded. A forme sports reporter for the Los Angeles Times, Odanka has written her own children's book, and it's about her skateboarding obsession. "Skateboard Mom" is the story of a mother who rediscovers her passion for the sport when her son receives a board for his birthday. John Allen of New York had brought his 7-year-old son Miles, a skatebording fan, to see the group in New York after reading about them in a local newspaper. "You don't see a lot of women on skateboards," Allen said. Statistics bear that out. Of the 2.3 million Americans who skateboard at least once a week, nearly 90 percent are under 18, according to SGMA International, a trade association for sporting goods manufacturers and retailers. Only about 1.1 percent are between the ages of 35 and 44. The number of frequent skateboarders aged 45 and older is "too small to calculate," said SGMA skpkesman Mike May. "This is obviously a sport skewed to the young. And toward males, who make up about 76 percent of all skateboarders. "Outside of the racing circuit, I never met another adult woman skater until I was 36," said Woodward, who is 37. But Odanaka expects her Web site and organization will bring together what she believes are a significant number of "closet" skateboarding women. "It's not like the Million Man March," she said, "but I'll expect a few hundred by next Mother's Day." |
Skate Park Aid a No-Go Thus Far Gloucester County Times, July 16, 2004 By Brian Arrington, barrington@sjnewsco.com Woodbury--City officials are still looking for ways to fund a proposed skate park after an application for skate aid to support the project's construction fell short. The city had applied for a $368,500 state grant but only received $50,000 according to Chief Finance Officer Robert Law. The project is expected to cost more than $300,000 Mayor Leslie Clark has said. Law said the city will apply for more state funds to cover the cost of the skate park, which would be built in Stewart Lake Park, but if those funds fall through, Law said the city may have to turn to a volunteer effort or other means of funding. "With the $50,000, we are not going to be able to build much," Law said. "We are looking to see there is additional state aid, possibily through Green Acres funding. If not, we are going to have to seek volunteer assistance." Law said the Tony Hawk Foundation, named after legendary skater Tony Hawk, could also be an option. Despite the setback, Clark has been in contact with skateboarders, keeping them updated and interested in the project, Law said. "We want them to take part in the ownership," he said. Last year, the project drew praise from skaters and their parents. Skateboarding is still legal on most city streets, but it is not the safest place for kids to skate, parents pointed out. |
Old Skateboarding News Cape May, NJ |
Best Skate Parks 1. N/A 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. N/A 5. N/A Worst Skate Parks 1. Wenonah, NJ 2. Woodbury, NJ 3. Washington Lake Park, NJ 4. Port Orange, FL 6. X-Games Skatepark, Franklin Mills Mall, PA 7. Vans Skatepark, Moorestown Mall, NJ 8. Logan Township, NJ |
Skateboarders Put Their Dreams on Paper Gloucester County Times, October 21, 2003 By Regina Schaffer, RSchaffer@sjnewsco.com Woodbury--Pro skateboarder Tony Hawk would be proud if he came to Woodbury. While most teens would prefer to sleep in on a weekend morning, about a dozen city students gathered in Woodbury High School at 9 a.m. to design an important piece of the city's recreation puzzle--a new skate park. The students were literally handed sheets of draft paper and given dimensions, pencils, and sheets with available stunt equipment and told to go to work. The skate debates, to say the least, were lively. The enthusiasm was refreshing to city officials, who found themselves coming in to a group of waiting teens. "You could just feel the excitement level of the room," said Mayor Leslie Clark. "We're at the the beginning of the first step, and that is to find out exactly what the skaters want." Skaters agreed that what they want is a place to skate in peace. "We've been kicked out of every spot," said Steve Seykot, a senior at Woodbury High School. "We want a safe place where we won't get hassled to skate." Sounds simple enough, but the teens have a task ahead of them. While they can pick whatever ramps or rails the choose for their designer parks on paper, eventually, cost will have to be factored in. "The new park is positioned to go behind the YMCA building, in place of the old tennis courts," Clark said. Dimensions are listed at 150 feet by 120 feet. For the most part, teens arrived with a clear plan in mind. The park must have "flow," they said, meaning plenty of cement transitions to allow for continuous skating after performing a stunt. "All the (skate parks) that re close to us have no run capability," said 14-year-old Grady O'Nalley-Walker. "They're not getting the popularity because you do one trick and you're done. "We need a lot of stairs and handrails," said 13-year-old Kevin Brown. "Just like at the courthouse." City engineer Bill Flemming said, "After each teen puts the skate park they want on paper, they will work together to pick and choose what works together." "It will be a consensus," Flemming said. "What everybody feels is best. There are a couple of things in stake design that, if not careful, get left out. You don't want the park to become boring." As for the next step, Clark said city officials and city teens will meet again in January to develop a "master plan" for the skate park. The mayor said she hopes to get donations from area businesses willing to help, as skate park equipment is pricey. "My hope is that by this time next year, it's under construction," Clark said. |
West Deptford Unveils Great Place to Skate Gloucester County Times, September 8, 2003 By Theresa Katalinas, Tkatalinas@sjnewsco.com West Deptford Twp.--With skateboard in hand and protective black knee pads strapped on, 15-year-old Mike Gormley said, "It is the best, perhaps." "It's time to have fun," Gormley said as he dashed to the brand-new skate park at West Deptford Park Sunday afternoon. "It's about time they built something for us." Gormley said, "It was nice to trade chasing from the police for the half-pipe and two quarter-pipes," in the fenced-in skateboarding and in-line skating arena. Officials unveiled the flip and grinding arena--equipped with ramps and rails for novice and advanced skaters--Sunday afternoon as several dozen youth strutted their stuff on the Spohn Ranch fabricated structure. Mayor Anna Docimo said, "A petition signed by 300 township residents, coupled with a Livable Communities grant secured by the Third District Democratic team of Senator Stephen Sweeney and Assemblymen John Burzichelli and Doug Fisher, made the youth dream a reality." "This is a happy day," Docimo said from atop one of the ramps. "They've been waiting a long time for this." Sweeney, who resides in West Deptford Township, said that the $158,000 in funding allowed the park to move to fruition without impacting taxpayers. "If you keep these young people busy, normally they stay out of trouble," Sweeney said. Since one-year memberships went on sale late last week, Administrator Gerald White said, "About 40 youths have joined." The cost is $15 for township residents and $30 for non-residents and includes a photo identification. Skateboarder Heather Enright, 10, seemed a little apprehensive of the large ramps on Sunday. "It looks kinda scary," Enright, a lifelong rollerskater and new skateboarder, said. Parent Mary Goldinger watched proudly as her three children tried out the skate park on Sunday afternoon. "It's awesome," Goldinger said. "West Deptford does always go all out." Besides West Deptford; Logan, Monroe, and Washington townships already have skate parks in place, and Woodbury is planning to add one. |
Officials Hope to "Grind" Interest in Woodbury Skateboard Park Gloucester County Times, August 8, 2003 By Brian Arrington, Barrington@sjnewsco.com Woodbury--City officials are hoping local thrashers will flip their way to a public meeting later this month to gauge interest in a proposed skateboard park. Mayor Leslie Clark said she wants to hear from skaters, their parents, and other citizens on what they think about building a skate park in the city. The meeting is slated to take place at 7 p.m. on August 26 in city hall. Children must be accompanied by an adult. While skateboarding continues to increase in popularity, places for kids to skate in the city are limited. "These poor kids don't have any place to go," Clark said. "They can't go downtown; they can't go to Rotary Park. Any place they want to go with their skateboards, they aren't allowed to go." "For now, Stewart Park, near the YMCA, is the proposed site," Clark said. The city was awarded a $50,000 grant in state Department of Environmental Protection funds and will use all of it to build the park, according to Chief Finance Officer Bob Law. More funds are needed to complete the park, and city officials want to find out what skaters want, how much it will cost, and how the money will be raised. "That will not be enough to do the type of skate park that we had wanted, so we are going to discuss additional types of fund-raising possibilities," Law said. Clark and other officials are planning a trip to Monroe to get information on skate parks. Monroe, Logan, and Washington townships already have skate parks. Clark expects a lot of skaters to attend the meeting. "We put the fliers up on poles where the kids congregate with their skateboards and they are gone...you need a parent to go with you so we think the kids are ripping down the fliers and taking them to their parents and asking them to go." |
The Web site for Wenonah was taking contributions for the park. I'm not sure what the status is on the skatepark project or where it will be/was built. I've tried to find more information at Wenonah's Web site. |
State-of-the-Art Skateboard Park To Be Unveiled in West Deptford Gloucester County Times, August 11, 2003 By Theresa Katalinas, Tkatalinas@sjnewsco.com West Deptford Twp.--Officials are planning to unveil a Tony Hawk approved state-of-the-art skateboard park later this month to keep pace with the township's growing recreational environment. Administrator, Gerald White, said that the flip and grinding arena, equipped with ramps and rails for novice and advanced skaters alike, is expected to open after Labor Day. Spohn Ranch will construct the in-line skate and skateboarding park at West Deptford Park's former street hockey court at the end of Metropolitan Avenue. "That's Tony Hawk's company," White said proudly of the world-renowned professional skater. "There's basically two big competitors in this field...Spohn had a superior product from a durability standpoint." White said the skate park's durable aluminum surface should last about seven to ten years before needing to be replaced. He said the $117,000 pricetag will be covered solely from a grant Senator Stephen Sweeney secured. Once constructed, the park will step up township recreation already supplied by RiverWinds--the township's monumental recreational facility--which is home to tennis courts, a golf course, athletic fields, and an all-inclusive community center. "In the summer," White said, "the park will likely open from 10 a.m. until dusk." "During the school year," he said, "operating times will follow closely with the school day--with the park opening about one hour after the close of school. "We are able to operate at night," White said, adding that lights are in place from the hockey court. "We're going to see how it goes." White said that individuals will be required to wear helmets and pads when skating. Members will be required to show picture IDs and pay a minimal annual fee--about $5 or $10--to cover the costs of insurance and additional staff. "We have a ranger back there already," White said. "When the park is busy and the skate park is busy, we're going to have to add another person." "Typically," he said, "the salary for park rangers is about $4,500 per year." "Since another individual would be needed only in more crowded months," White said, "the extra position would probably cost about $2,250 each year." Besides West Deptford, Logan, Monroe, and Washington townships already have skate parks in place, and Woodbury is planning to add one. |
Wilmington Skate Park Eyes New Home The News Journal, August 8, 2003 By Holly Norton, Hnorton@delawareonline.com Delaware--After changing the proposed site, Wilmington city councilman Kevin Kelley Sr. believes his mission of building a public skate park in Wilmington is close to becoming a reality. The new site is at the intersection of Maryland Avenue and Linden Street, near the previous site adjacent to Frawley Stadium. The concept for a public skate park in Wilmington came to light five years ago, but the project has been bogged down by a variety of issues. Kelley said plans for the park should be sketched by the end of next week. The design must be approved by DelDOT, DART, and the Federal Highway Administration. Construction at the 14,000-square-foot site could begin as early as next spring. The park's cost has not been finalized. The site is owned by the state and is enclosed by a fence, which would remain. It is adjacent to basketball courts, homes, and the George's Hardware store. "The residential neighborhood is a drawback," Kelley said. "We've got to be realistic. But we'll keep hammering away. I've got an obligation to thse kids." The previous site was 20,000 square feet of land owned by Amtrak and Norfolk Southern Railroad underneath Interstate 95. The process of developing the site at a cost estimated at $250,000 dragged for 2 1/2 years in part because of soil testing for possible contamination and land ownership conflicts. The delays led those involved with the project to seek alternative sites in late May. "The site at Frawley was taking more time to develop," Kelley said. "It was too long to wait. We thought, 'Let's see if there is somewhere else to go while we're waiting.'" Kelley said he has not ruled out the Frawley site for a possible second skate park. Mark Calder, president of the Wilmington skate park project, Kelley, and others have been working with SkateNerds, a Philadelphia company, to design a park with an urban feel. They plan to have a concrete plaza with platform steps, rails, and picnic tables. The street course would have more concrete instead of manufactured structures and ramps. "We should have [found an alternative site] earlier," Calder said. "Right now, everything is on the horizon." Officials with DelDOT, DART, and the Fereral Highway Administration expressed optimism that the project will get the necessary approvals. DelDOT holds the lease for the land at Maryland Avenue and Linden Street. "I think it's actually a viable lot to use," said Bill Thatcher, DelDOT engineer for the north district. "The kids would be off the streets and it would be a good, safe place for kids to skate. Wayne Rizzo, who is in charge of real estate for DelDOT, said if his agency received plans next week, approval could be given within 45 days. The site is now used by DART for employee parking and bus storage. Ray Miller, director of Delaware Transit Corp., DART's corporate parent, said moving the parking area to a different lot "is not going to push us in any difficult situation. The location appears to make a lot of sense [to build a skate park]." Bob Kleinburd, Federal Highway Administration program manager in Dover, said the agency's main concern is that I-95 is not damaged or in danger of damage by skate park construction. "As long as the project will not disturb the nearby I-95 support pillar," he said, "the plans would be approved." "Since we went along in theory with the other site, this seems like a reasonable request," Kleinburd said. "I think this would be something positive and it would help the community out." If plans are approved, Kelley said he and Kim Gabrelli, secretary and treasurer of the skate park project, are prepared to increase fund-raising activities. The organization has had several skate jams in Wilmington to raise money and awareness for the project. "It's tough to raise funds when you don't have a permanent site," Kelley said. "But I don't give up. I will keep plugging away, and we'll get there." |
All Teens Want Is a Safe Place to Skate Gloucester County Times, August 12, 2002 By Denise Jewell, djewell@sjnewsco.com Every time 17-year-old Chris Smith gets in trouble for trespassing, it happens the same way. Smith, a Logan Township resident, and his friends will find a new place to skateboard. At first, nearby business owners don't mind, but once too many skaters start practicing jumps in the area, they start to take action. After about a week, no-skating signs go up, and the police start asking the teen-agers to leave. "Honestly, I've never hurt anyone," said Smith, who has been skateboarding since he was in eigth grade. "Most police will take your board and confiscate it." With the nine-day extreme sporting competition, the X Games, happening this week in Philadelphia, skaters and bikers are getting the kind of attention usually reserved for professional atheletes. But several local skaters and bikers said there still aren't enough places in Gloucester County to develop their skills. "The cops just hassle us a lot," said Eric Spence, a West Deptford resident who was riding a BMX bike at the Logan skateboarding park on Sunday. Spence, 16, said he gets asked to stop riding his bike in parking lots near buildings at least once a week. Two weeks ago, Spence returned to one of his favorite biking areas in the West Deptford industrial park to find "no trespassing" signs and a fence around the area. "Bikers and skaters," Spence said, "often get a bad reputation that is not necessarily earned." "It kind of sucks because it's not like we're doing drugs," Spence said. "Most of the teenagers that do the sport," Spence said, "have to be physically fit to ride their bikes for hours at a time." Last year, Logan Township spent more than $130.000 to build a skateboarding park that would give teen-agers a place to practice. The fenced-in concrete park has ramps and handrails that skaters and bikers alternately use. Councilwoman Roni Bills, whose 14-year-old son helped push for the park before she was on township council, said it has helped keep skaters and bikers off of private property. "I think it's the township's responsibility to find a place for these kids," Bills said. "If not, what ends up happening is like a domino effect." "A few skaters," she said, "may get an attitude when they are asked to leave an area, which can cause more tension." Washington Township also has a skating park, and several townships--including Monroe and Deptford--are considering building a place for skaters to use. In Swedesboro, the council is considering banning skateboarding from the borough's downtown area to prevent skaters from damaging property. Spence said he was disappointed when West Deptford built the Riverwinds athletic complex without including a place for bikers or skaters. "BMX biking and skating," he said, "are growing more popular and are not a fleeting fad." "There's a lot of kids in West Deptford that bike ride," Spence said. John Blazek, a 22-year-old Logan Township resident who was working at the Logan park on Sunday, said he hasn't seen any problems since he started working there this summer. "It's not a slacker sport," Blazek said of skateboarding. "It's really challenging and athletic." |
Working Hard for Their Right to Skateboard Gloucester County Times, April 7, 2002 By Jeanette Tallant, jtallant@sjnewsco.com Wenonah--A small group of borough kids has taken on a huge challenge in the name of working hard to get what they want--a place to ride their skateboards. Skateboarding has become a popular sport for many young people across the country, and the kids in Wenonah aren't much different. A few months ago, groups of kids could be found skating along newly paved roads or grinding their boards on the bench outside the old train station. "A couple of my friends and I were building ramps, and we would put rails in the streets," said 12-year-old Cristian Barajas. "I love to skate for the thrill and the sport accomplishment, and I just want to keep doing it." But according to borough officials, this became a problem as curbs and property were being destroyed. When police officers started telling kids they weren't allowed to skate in the streets, the kids had nowhere to go. So they responded in a logical manner by asking where they could skate. Much to the delight and surprise of the borough council, the kids showed up at a town meeting looking for an answer. "It was kind of scary to get in front of all those people," said 12-year-old Sammy Carhidi. "We told them the basic facts--that we really need a place to skate." The council told the kids they would look into it, and about three months later, they had an answer. "I'm excited because it came along quickly, and all of a sudden, out of the blue." said Carchidi, adding that he and his friends were surprised the council was actually looking into the matter. The council proposed to install and maintain equipment for a skate park at Wenonah Lake with one catch--the kids must raise the mony to buy the equipment. "The important thing for them to learn in this is that everybody's responsible when you have a project like this, and when you want something, you have to work for it," said Council President Susan Mayer. "You can't some in and stomp your foot and say, "We want something," and then get it. Now the kids are charged with the tremendous task of raising about $5,000 to buy the equipment, and they really believe they can do it. "We didn't think at all that we could have gotten the skate park; we just gave it a shot," said Barajas. "(The council) just said we need the money, and if we work at it, I think we can definitely get it." When they do raise the money, the borough council must vote to approve the final plans. But for now, the idea is to convert the volleyball pit at the lake into a small skateboard park. "The lake is the one place where it's very acceptable for them to congregate." said Municipal Clerk Dawn Human. "This gave us a way to solve all the problems. Informally, the council has agreed this is the best plan anyone has come up with." Constructing the park at the lake would make it easy to supervise, ensuring kids wear the proper protective gear, and it would restrict use of the park to residents of Wenonah and members of the lake. It is also visible from the road so police officers can patrol the site after lake hours. The kids don't have any solid fund raising ideas just yet, but they are working on the project. Before attending the council meeting, they drew up a petition and asked residents to sign in favor of allowing them a place to skate. Some people even said that they would help out with donations. And the kids plan to take them up on that offer. |
Towns with Skate Parks Florida law does not permit in-line skating on roadways or parking lots. |
Skateboarding News NJ Skate Parks Delanco Freedom Park Gentile Skate Park Owens Park PA Skate Parks DE Skate Parks MD Skate Parks |
Skateboarding in New Jersey AKA Pay to Play |
Park Renewal Contract Scheduled for Approvial Gloucester County Times, July 23, 2003 Washington Twp.--Council members are scheduled today to approve a contract for the upgrades and revamping of a skate board park in town, officials said. According to officials, Blue Moose Construction will receive the $44,703 contract to redo the skate board park located in Washington Lake Park. Construction plans were not available for review Tuesday. The funds earmarked for the project will come from capital money, an official said. The council meets at 7 p.m. today in the municipal building, located at 523 Egg Harbor Road. |
Skateboarding News NJ Skate Parks Delanco Freedom Park Gentile Skate Park Owens Park PA Skate Parks DE Skate Parks MD Skate Parks |
State Grant Provides Funds to Build Skate Park West Deptford Township Newsletter, Summer 2003 Do you want to be the next Tony Hawk? Well, West Deptford's Recreation Department will soon be offering just the place to get started. West Deptford Township has begun construction on a state-of-the-art skate park at West Deptford Park. West Deptford Township is known for having the finest parks and recreation facilities and programs in New Jersey. Mayor Anna Docimo states, We are so happy to be able to bring this skate park to West Deptford. We offer many outlets for our youth to participate in traditional sports. Now we are seeing a need for alternative sports such as the skate park. West Deptford always strives to offer the best for our community, and I hope that many will go out and enjoy the new skate park." The skate park will accommodate skateboarders and in-line skaters. We extend special thanks to state Senator Steven Sweeney, who was instrumental in securing the grant that covers 100% of the cost of the skate park. The park will be opening later this summer. Many West Deptford children have a great interest in skating, and many signed a petition to have a skate park built. Jeremy Siegal, a West Deptford resident, presented a petition to the Township showing that many kids and adults wanted the skate park. Jeremy is an in-line skater who has been skating for 3 years. He stated, "I knew I would not be able to get the skate park built without a petition, so I started passing a paper around in school, and many people signed it, so I knew I wasn't the only one who was interested." The park will offer a novice area and an advanced level, with different ramps and grind rails for all levels. Park Rangers employed by West Deptford Township will provide security. A minimal annual fee will be charged to belong to the skate park. |
Vans Skatepark Moorestown, NJ Moorestown--Member from May 10, 2002 to May 2003. The park has a 6-foot half pipe and a larger vert-ramp, a beginner park course and an intermediate park course, and a nice cement course. Rating: C--too many people. |
ESPN X-Games Skatepark Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia--Member from May 30, 2003 to May 2004. The park has two sets of mini-ramps, a vert-ramp, a park course, and lots of other ramps. I have a lot of room to skate--there seems to be more employees than customers. Rating: C--slick surfaces. |
Pipe Dreams Skatepark Rehoboth, DE Rehoboth--Visited the park during the Sea Witch Festival in October 2001. A nice park to visit, but now it's closed. Rating: B--RIP. |
Towns with Skate Parks Florida law does not permit in-line skating on roadways or parking lots. |
Working Hard for Their Right to Skateboard Gloucester County Times, April 7, 2002 By Jeanette Tallant, jtallant@sjnewsco.com Wenonah--A small group of borough kids has taken on a huge challenge in the name of working hard to get what they want--a place to ride their skateboards. Skateboarding has become a popular sport for many young people across the country, and the kids in Wenonah aren't much different. A few months ago, groups of kids could be found skating along newly paved roads or grinding their boards on the bench outside the old train station. "A couple of my friends and I were building ramps, and we would put rails in the streets," said 12-year-old Cristian Barajas. "I love to skate for the thrill and the sport accomplishment, and I just want to keep doing it." But according to borough officials, this became a problem as curbs and property were being destroyed. When police officers started telling kids they weren't allowed to skate in the streets, the kids had nowhere to go. So they responded in a logical manner by asking where they could skate. Much to the delight and surprise of the borough council, the kids showed up at a town meeting looking for an answer. "It was kind of scary to get in front of all those people," said 12-year-old Sammy Carhidi. "We told them the basic facts--that we really need a place to skate." The council told the kids they would look into it, and about three months later, they had an answer. "I'm excited because it came along quickly, and all of a sudden, out of the blue." said Carchidi, adding that he and his friends were surprised the council was actually looking into the matter. The council proposed to install and maintain equipment for a skate park at Wenonah Lake with one catch--the kids must raise the mony to buy the equipment. "The important thing for them to learn in this is that everybody's responsible when you have a project like this, and when you want something, you have to work for it," said Council President Susan Mayer. "You can't some in and stomp your foot and say, "We want something," and then get it. Now the kids are charged with the tremendous task of raising about $5,000 to buy the equipment, and they really believe they can do it. "We didn't think at all that we could have gotten the skate park; we just gave it a shot," said Barajas. "(The council) just said we need the money, and if we work at it, I think we can definitely get it." When they do raise the money, the borough council must vote to approve the final plans. But for now, the idea is to convert the volleyball pit at the lake into a small skateboard park. "The lake is the one place where it's very acceptable for them to congregate." said Municipal Clerk Dawn Human. "This gave us a way to solve all the problems. Informally, the council has agreed this is the best plan anyone has come up with." Constructing the park at the lake would make it easy to supervise, ensuring kids wear the proper protective gear, and it would restrict use of the park to residents of Wenonah and members of the lake. It is also visible from the road so police officers can patrol the site after lake hours. The kids don't have any solid fund raising ideas just yet, but they are working on the project. Before attending the council meeting, they drew up a petition and asked residents to sign in favor of allowing them a place to skate. Some people even said that they would help out with donations. And the kids plan to take them up on that offer. |
From the Author I am glad you enjoyed the article. The kids involved in trying to get the project going are great and I know they would really appreciate your donation. You can make a check payable to the Borough of Wenonah and drop it off or mail it to Borough Hall: 1 West Cherry Street Wenonah, NJ 08090 You can also call Dawn Human, borough clerk at 468-6713 and she'd be more than happy to help you. If there is anything else I can help you with, feel free to email me again! Jeanette Tallant The Gloucester County Times |
All Teens Want Is a Safe Place to Skate Gloucester County Times, August 12, 2002 By Denise Jewell, djewell@sjnewsco.com Every time 17-year-old Chris Smith gets in trouble for trespassing, it happens the same way. Smith, a Logan Township resident, and his friends will find a new place to skateboard. At first, nearby business owners don't mind, but once too many skaters start practicing jumps in the area, they start to take action. After about a week, no-skating signs go up, and the police start asking the teen-agers to leave. "Honestly, I've never hurt anyone," said Smith, who has been skateboarding since he was in eigth grade. "Most police will take your board and confiscate it." With the nine-day extreme sporting competition, the X Games, happening this week in Philadelphia, skaters and bikers are getting the kind of attention usually reserved for professional atheletes. But several local skaters and bikers said there still aren't enough places in Gloucester County to develop their skills. "The cops just hassle us a lot," said Eric Spence, a West Deptford resident who was riding a BMX bike at the Logan skateboarding park on Sunday. Spence, 16, said he gets asked to stop riding his bike in parking lots near buildings at least once a week. Two weeks ago, Spence returned to one of his favorite biking areas in the West Deptford industrial park to find "no trespassing" signs and a fence around the area. "Bikers and skaters," Spence said, "often get a bad reputation that is not necessarily earned." "It kind of sucks because it's not like we're doing drugs," Spence said. "Most of the teenagers that do the sport," Spence said, "have to be physically fit to ride their bikes for hours at a time." Last year, Logan Township spent more than $130.000 to build a skateboarding park that would give teen-agers a place to practice. The fenced-in concrete park has ramps and handrails that skaters and bikers alternately use. Councilwoman Roni Bills, whose 14-year-old son helped push for the park before she was on township council, said it has helped keep skaters and bikers off of private property. "I think it's the township's responsibility to find a place for these kids," Bills said. "If not, what ends up happening is like a domino effect." "A few skaters," she said, "may get an attitude when they are asked to leave an area, which can cause more tension." Washington Township also has a skating park, and several townships--including Monroe and Deptford--are considering building a place for skaters to use. In Swedesboro, the council is considering banning skateboarding from the borough's downtown area to prevent skaters from damaging property. Spence said he was disappointed when West Deptford built the Riverwinds athletic complex without including a place for bikers or skaters. "BMX biking and skating," he said, "are growing more popular and are not a fleeting fad." "There's a lot of kids in West Deptford that bike ride," Spence said. John Blazek, a 22-year-old Logan Township resident who was working at the Logan park on Sunday, said he hasn't seen any problems since he started working there this summer. "It's not a slacker sport," Blazek said of skateboarding. "It's really challenging and athletic." |
Computer Wallpaper Click on the link to see the picture. Right click, to use as your computer's wallpaper. |
Washington Township Mini Ramp 2002 |
Eric Spence (above) and Pat Bowen (below) practice their jumnps at the Logan Twp. Skate Park Sunday afternoon. Teens and their parents seek more safe places in the county to ride and skate. |
Old School Skateboarding |
New Jersey Skateboarding News |
Somewhere around Daytona Port Orange, FL Port Orange--Visited this park twice in December 2002 and once in December 2003. It looked great from the parking lot. What looked like a 3-foot quarter-pipe surrounding the park was really an unskateable 3-foot half-pipe. The design of the park is very poor and all of the outside ramp surface is unskateable. The ramp in the middle was the only thing skateable. But all the drop-in ramps are parallel to it. I was unable to ride on two ramps before stopping. This skate park is another example of a park that could have been so much better if anyone in the design and construction process had a clue as to what he or she was doing. Rating: F--poor design and dangerous construction. |
Wildwood Tram Car |
Nikki and Tigger Christmas Tree |
Wilmington Skate Park Eyes New Home The News Journal, August 8, 2003 By Holly Norton, Hnorton@delawareonline.com Delaware--After changing the proposed site, Wilmington city councilman Kevin Kelley Sr. believes his mission of building a public skate park in Wilmington is close to becoming a reality. The new site is at the intersection of Maryland Avenue and Linden Street, near the previous site adjacent to Frawley Stadium. The concept for a public skate park in Wilmington came to light five years ago, but the project has been bogged down by a variety of issues. Kelley said plans for the park should be sketched by the end of next week. The design must be approved by DelDOT, DART, and the Federal Highway Administration. Construction at the 14,000-square-foot site could begin as early as next spring. The park's cost has not been finalized. The site is owned by the state and is enclosed by a fence, which would remain. It is adjacent to basketball courts, homes, and the George's Hardware store. "The residential neighborhood is a drawback," Kelley said. "We've got to be realistic. But we'll keep hammering away. I've got an obligation to thse kids." The previous site was 20,000 square feet of land owned by Amtrak and Norfolk Southern Railroad underneath Interstate 95. The process of developing the site at a cost estimated at $250,000 dragged for 2 1/2 years in part because of soil testing for possible contamination and land ownership conflicts. The delays led those involved with the project to seek alternative sites in late May. "The site at Frawley was taking more time to develop," Kelley said. "It was too long to wait. We thought, 'Let's see if there is somewhere else to go while we're waiting.'" Kelley said he has not ruled out the Frawley site for a possible second skate park. Mark Calder, president of the Wilmington skate park project, Kelley, and others have been working with SkateNerds, a Philadelphia company, to design a park with an urban feel. They plan to have a concrete plaza with platform steps, rails, and picnic tables. The street course would have more concrete instead of manufactured structures and ramps. "We should have [found an alternative site] earlier," Calder said. "Right now, everything is on the horizon." Officials with DelDOT, DART, and the Fereral Highway Administration expressed optimism that the project will get the necessary approvals. DelDOT holds the lease for the land at Maryland Avenue and Linden Street. "I think it's actually a viable lot to use," said Bill Thatcher, DelDOT engineer for the north district. "The kids would be off the streets and it would be a good, safe place for kids to skate. Wayne Rizzo, who is in charge of real estate for DelDOT, said if his agency received plans next week, approval could be given within 45 days. The site is now used by DART for employee parking and bus storage. Ray Miller, director of Delaware Transit Corp., DART's corporate parent, said moving the parking area to a different lot "is not going to push us in any difficult situation. The location appears to make a lot of sense [to build a skate park]." Bob Kleinburd, Federal Highway Administration program manager in Dover, said the agency's main concern is that I-95 is not damaged or in danger of damage by skate park construction. "As long as the project will not disturb the nearby I-95 support pillar," he said, "the plans would be approved." "Since we went along in theory with the other site, this seems like a reasonable request," Kleinburd said. "I think this would be something positive and it would help the community out." If plans are approved, Kelley said he and Kim Gabrelli, secretary and treasurer of the skate park project, are prepared to increase fund-raising activities. The organization has had several skate jams in Wilmington to raise money and awareness for the project. "It's tough to raise funds when you don't have a permanent site," Kelley said. "But I don't give up. I will keep plugging away, and we'll get there." |
Project Still Would Be Under I-95; Construction Could Begin Next Spring "We've got to be realistic. But we'll keep hammering away. I've got an obligation to these kids." --Keven Kelley, Wilimington city councilman |
Wilmington Skate Park Quiz How long will it take to finally build this park? A. Five years B. Seven years C. Eight years D. Nine years E. Ten years F. Never Who is in charge of getting this skate park built? A. Keven Kelley B. Mark Calder C. Bill Thatcher D. Wayne Rizzio E. Ray Miller F. Bob Kleinburd G. Kim Gabrielli H. Holly Norton What is the best thing about the proposed park? A. It will keep the above people busy for the next ten years B. It will be concrete C. It will be concerte D. It will be concrete E. It will be concrete F. It's not in New Jersey |
Delaware Skateboarding News |
State-of-the-Art Skateboard Park To Be Unveiled in West Deptford Gloucester County Times, August 11, 2003 By Theresa Katalinas, Tkatalinas@sjnewsco.com West Deptford Twp.--Officials are planning to unveil a Tony Hawk approved state-of-the-art skateboard park later this month to keep pace with the township's growing recreational environment. Administrator, Gerald White, said that the flip and grinding arena, equipped with ramps and rails for novice and advanced skaters alike, is expected to open after Labor Day. Spohn Ranch will construct the in-line skate and skateboarding park at West Deptford Park's former street hockey court at the end of Metropolitan Avenue. "That's Tony Hawk's company," White said proudly of the world-renowned professional skater. "There's basically two big competitors in this field...Spohn had a superior product from a durability standpoint." White said the skate park's durable aluminum surface should last about seven to ten years before needing to be replaced. He said the $117,000 pricetag will be covered solely from a grant Senator Stephen Sweeney secured. Once constructed, the park will step up township recreation already supplied by RiverWinds--the township's monumental recreational facility--which is home to tennis courts, a golf course, athletic fields, and an all-inclusive community center. "In the summer," White said, "the park will likely open from 10 a.m. until dusk." "During the school year," he said, "operating times will follow closely with the school day--with the park opening about one hour after the close of school. "We are able to operate at night," White said, adding that lights are in place from the hockey court. "We're going to see how it goes." White said that individuals will be required to wear helmets and pads when skating. Members will be required to show picture IDs and pay a minimal annual fee--about $5 or $10--to cover the costs of insurance and additional staff. "We have a ranger back there already," White said. "When the park is busy and the skate park is busy, we're going to have to add another person." "Typically," he said, "the salary for park rangers is about $4,500 per year." "Since another individual would be needed only in more crowded months," White said, "the extra position would probably cost about $2,250 each year." Besides West Deptford, Logan, Monroe, and Washington townships already have skate parks in place, and Woodbury is planning to add one. |
The Web site for Wenonah was taking contributions for the park. I'm not sure what the status is on the skatepark project or where it will be/was built. I've tried to find more information at Wenonah's Web site. |
Skateboarding Parks |
West Deptford Skate Park Quiz The skate park is marketed to which type of skater? A. Old School Skateboarders B. Street Skateboarders C. Vert Skateboarders D. Pool Skateboarders E. Free Style Skateboarders F. Fans of Tony Hawk's Company On What Theory Are the Park Hours Based? A. Skateboarders have jobs and should be at work during the day B. If a kid is not in school, there should be no safe place to hang out C. Park Rangers don't make enough money, so they have to work two jobs D. Skateboarding is a night sport E. Skateboarders are committing crimes during the day Why isn't the park free? A. Crap isn't free B. Skateboarders have a lot of bling-bling C. It's a professional sport D. Because you just can't skate hills, pools, or ditches and have as much fun E. Concrete parks don't last as long as seven to ten years F. This is New Jersey--you'll pay and you'll like it |
Washington Township Skate Park Quiz Why isn't the park free? A. Crap isn't free B. Because the rest of the park is free C. It's supported by Green Acres money D. The metal mini ramp hasn't been painted in years E. The park is huge--about the size of two basketball courts F. This is New Jersey--you'll pay and you'll like it |
Wenonah Skate Park Quiz Where did all the money go? A. To constantly update their Web site B. I don't know C. To build a skatepark How can I help? A. Who cares--if you don't live in Wenonah, you won't be allowed to use the skate park. B. Build your own skate park. C. Just keep smiling and nobody gets hurt. D. Just keep telling the kids that they need more money. |
Officials Hope to "Grind" Interest in Woodbury Skateboard Park Gloucester County Times, August 8, 2003 By Brian Arrington, Barrington@sjnewsco.com Woodbury--City officials are hoping local thrashers will flip their way to a public meeting later this month to gauge interest in a proposed skateboard park. Mayor Leslie Clark said she wants to hear from skaters, their parents, and other citizens on what they think about building a skate park in the city. The meeting is slated to take place at 7 p.m. on August 26 in city hall. Children must be accompanied by an adult. While skateboarding continues to increase in popularity, places for kids to skate in the city are limited. "These poor kids don't have any place to go," Clark said. "They can't go downtown; they can't go to Rotary Park. Any place they want to go with their skateboards, they aren't allowed to go." "For now, Stewart Park, near the YMCA, is the proposed site," Clark said. The city was awarded a $50,000 grant in state Department of Environmental Protection funds and will use all of it to build the park, according to Chief Finance Officer Bob Law. More funds are needed to complete the park, and city officials want to find out what skaters want, how much it will cost, and how the money will be raised. "That will not be enough to do the type of skate park that we had wanted, so we are going to discuss additional types of fund-raising possibilities," Law said. Clark and other officials are planning a trip to Monroe to get information on skate parks. Monroe, Logan, and Washington townships already have skate parks. Clark expects a lot of skaters to attend the meeting. "We put the fliers up on poles where the kids congregate with their skateboards and they are gone...you need a parent to go with you so we think the kids are ripping down the fliers and taking them to their parents and asking them to go." |
West Deptford Unveils Great Place to Skate Gloucester County Times, September 8, 2003 By Theresa Katalinas, Tkatalinas@sjnewsco.com West Deptford Twp.--With skateboard in hand and protective black knee pads strapped on, 15-year-old Mike Gormley said, "It is the best, perhaps." "It's time to have fun," Gormley said as he dashed to the brand-new skate park at West Deptford Park Sunday afternoon. "It's about time they built something for us." Gormley said, "It was nice to trade chasing from the police for the half-pipe and two quarter-pipes," in the fenced-in skateboarding and in-line skating arena. Officials unveiled the flip and grinding arena--equipped with ramps and rails for novice and advanced skaters--Sunday afternoon as several dozen youth strutted their stuff on the Spohn Ranch fabricated structure. Mayor Anna Docimo said, "A petition signed by 300 township residents, coupled with a Livable Communities grant secured by the Third District Democratic team of Senator Stephen Sweeney and Assemblymen John Burzichelli and Doug Fisher, made the youth dream a reality." "This is a happy day," Docimo said from atop one of the ramps. "They've been waiting a long time for this." Sweeney, who resides in West Deptford Township, said that the $158,000 in funding allowed the park to move to fruition without impacting taxpayers. "If you keep these young people busy, normally they stay out of trouble," Sweeney said. Since one-year memberships went on sale late last week, Administrator Gerald White said, "About 40 youths have joined." The cost is $15 for township residents and $30 for non-residents and includes a photo identification. Skateboarder Heather Enright, 10, seemed a little apprehensive of the large ramps on Sunday. "It looks kinda scary," Enright, a lifelong rollerskater and new skateboarder, said. Parent Mary Goldinger watched proudly as her three children tried out the skate park on Sunday afternoon. "It's awesome," Goldinger said. "West Deptford does always go all out." Besides West Deptford; Logan, Monroe, and Washington townships already have skate parks in place, and Woodbury is planning to add one. |
West Deptford Mayor Anna Docimo talks about the new skate park as skaters listen on Sunday afternoon in West Deptford Park. |
Mike Carbone, 15, skates in the half-pipe at the new skate park on Sunday. |
PA Skate Parks |
NJ Skate Parks |
DE Skate Parks |
West Deptford Skatepark West Deptford, NJ West Deptford--The park has a quarter-pipe ramp and a small park course. It's supposed to be "state-of-the-art." In reality, it's unoriginal. West Deptford had a chance to be cutting edge, but ended up with a typical New Jersey excuse for a skate park. Rating: D--no flow! |
From "nothing" (August 2003) to "better than nothing" (September 2003). |
FL Skate Parks |
Washington Lake Park Washington Township, NJ Washington Township--In October 2003, the park was closed because it was being "upgraded." It finally opened in April 2004. The construction took six months to complete. They've installed all modular ramps (how long does it take to install a few modular ramps?). The skate park now looks like a plastic playground! The skate park is the size of two basketball courts. There is a mini-ramp with a spine. The mini-ramp is only about 12-feet wide, and the spine does not have another ramp on the other side (the spine to nowhere). Everyone seems to miss the old metal mini-ramp. In fact, the park course seems to be missing a ramp at the other end of it. There is no way you can skate on more then two ramps before your ride is over. The surface of the park is very rough. It's painted a light gray color. If it's sunny outside, you will be blinded--wear your sunglasses! One time, someone asked me, "Why does everyone hate this park?" I said, "Because it costs five dollars to use it." He was surprised that a cheap looking public park actually charged a fee to use. This park is so bad on so many levels. The people who designed, approved, and paid for this park are idiots! If you want to see real skate parks, look at the West Coast and/or Canada. Rating: F--the township has no idea what skateboarding is all about. |
Skateboarders Put Their Dreams on Paper Gloucester County Times, October 21, 2003 By Regina Schaffer, RSchaffer@sjnewsco.com Woodbury--Pro skateboarder Tony Hawk would be proud if he came to Woodbury. While most teens would prefer to sleep in on a weekend morning, about a dozen city students gathered in Woodbury High School at 9 a.m. to design an important piece of the city's recreation puzzle--a new skate park. The students were literally handed sheets of draft paper and given dimensions, pencils, and sheets with available stunt equipment and told to go to work. The skate debates, to say the least, were lively. The enthusiasm was refreshing to city officials, who found themselves coming in to a group of waiting teens. "You could just feel the excitement level of the room," said Mayor Leslie Clark. "We're at the the beginning of the first step, and that is to find out exactly what the skaters want." Skaters agreed that what they want is a place to skate in peace. "We've been kicked out of every spot," said Steve Seykot, a senior at Woodbury High School. "We want a safe place where we won't get hassled to skate." Sounds simple enough, but the teens have a task ahead of them. While they can pick whatever ramps or rails the choose for their designer parks on paper, eventually, cost will have to be factored in. "The new park is positioned to go behind the YMCA building, in place of the old tennis courts," Clark said. Dimensions are listed at 150 feet by 120 feet. For the most part, teens arrived with a clear plan in mind. The park must have "flow," they said, meaning plenty of cement transitions to allow for continuous skating after performing a stunt. "All the (skate parks) that re close to us have no run capability," said 14-year-old Grady O'Nalley-Walker. "They're not getting the popularity because you do one trick and you're done. "We need a lot of stairs and handrails," said 13-year-old Kevin Brown. "Just like at the courthouse." City engineer Bill Flemming said, "After each teen puts the skate park they want on paper, they will work together to pick and choose what works together." "It will be a consensus," Flemming said. "What everybody feels is best. There are a couple of things in stake design that, if not careful, get left out. You don't want the park to become boring." As for the next step, Clark said city officials and city teens will meet again in January to develop a "master plan" for the skate park. The mayor said she hopes to get donations from area businesses willing to help, as skate park equipment is pricey. "My hope is that by this time next year, it's under construction," Clark said. |
Best Skate Parks 1. N/A 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. N/A 5. N/A Worst Skate Parks 1. Wenonah, NJ 2. Woodbury, NJ 3. Washington Lake Park, NJ 4. Port Orange, FL 6. X-Games Skatepark, Franklin Mills Mall, PA 7. Vans Skatepark, Moorestown Mall, NJ 8. Logan Township, NJ |
Cape May Backs Down from Proposed Skateboard Ban The Philadelphia Inquirer, December 4, 2003 Cape May, NJ--In a turnaround, the city of Cape May is backing off a proposal to ban possession of skateboards in certain areas of the city. "Somebody could buy a skateboard on the mall and walk out of the store and be in violation," said Councilman Jerry Gaffney. "I don't think we should proceed with this ordinance. It borders on constitutional rights." Last month, the City Council gave preliminary approval to the measure sought by police to address complaints about skateboarders along the Promenade--the city's oceanfront walkway. Under its provisions, the mere possession of a skateboard on the Promenade, the Washington Street Mall and other city-owned property, would have been punishable by a fine of as much as $100 and confiscation of the skateboard. |
Logan Township Skatepark Logan Township, NJ Logan Township--This park has a lot of ramps. The ramps are too far from each other. Some are tall and steep. May 21, 2004--Dropped-in on the quarter-pipe ramps and tried to do some grinds on the spine. The spine is only about ten feet wide. It's also about 35 feet away from the ramps. I couldn't get much of a ride. Rating: C--it was free to use. |
Here a picture of the old metal mini-ramp. This is the first mini-ramp that I skated on. |
640 x 480 images. |
Fishing 2003 |
800 x 600 images. |
Logan Park 2004 |
Washington Township Mini Ramp 2001 |
Washington Township Mini Ramp 2001 |
Roof 5-0 |
Haunted Mansion Graves |
Old Skateboarding News Cape May, NJ |
Designers Picked for Skate Park The Associated Press, March 1, 2004 Philadelphia--Plans are starting to inch along for the promised skateboard park that's slated to replace JFK Plaza, also known as LOVE Park, two years after city officials closed the skating mecca. The city Planning Commission has selected a team headed by Philadelphia architect Anthony Bracali to design a skate park by the Schuylkill bike path below the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The park, measuring more than two acres, could be completed within two years according to city officials who have yet to finalize a contract or budget. Bracali wants to create "a wonderful recreational facility that is also a great urban space" according to Maxine Griffith, Planning Commission Director. Private funding will be needed to cover the projected construction cost of at least $2 million. |
City Told to Build Crappy Skatepark With Less Money July 16, 2004 Woodbury--City officials are now looking for a way to build a quarter- to half-million dollar skatepark so kids will have a place to skate. "Without these expensive and high-tech projects, how are kids going to enjoy such a simple activity?" Instead of receiving about $360,000 from the state, they only received $50,000. "A neighboring town received $500,00 to fix their roads. Why can't the state give us that amount for a poorly-designed, poorly-constructed skatepark?" Last year, there was a lot of interest in the skatepark project as officials pretended to listen to the input of skaters. Some people thought that they might build a real skatepark like the ones they have in California or Oregan--even Canada has some! New Jersey has only had one real skatepark. As soon as people found out how good it was, the Cherry Hill Skatepark was destroyed. |
Skate Park Aid a No-Go Thus Far Gloucester County Times, July 16, 2004 By Brian Arrington, barrington@sjnewsco.com Woodbury--City officials are still looking for ways to fund a proposed skate park after an application for skate aid to support the project's construction fell short. The city had applied for a $368,500 state grant but only received $50,000 according to Chief Finance Officer Robert Law. The project is expected to cost more than $300,000 Mayor Leslie Clark has said. Law said the city will apply for more state funds to cover the cost of the skate park, which would be built in Stewart Lake Park, but if those funds fall through, Law said the city may have to turn to a volunteer effort or other means of funding. "With the $50,000, we are not going to be able to build much," Law said. "We are looking to see there is additional state aid, possibily through Green Acres funding. If not, we are going to have to seek volunteer assistance." Law said the Tony Hawk Foundation, named after legendary skater Tony Hawk, could also be an option. Despite the setback, Clark has been in contact with skateboarders, keeping them updated and interested in the project, Law said. "We want them to take part in the ownership," he said. Last year, the project drew praise from skaters and their parents. Skateboarding is still legal on most city streets, but it is not the safest place for kids to skate, parents pointed out. |
National Skateboarding News |
Skateboarding Mums Come out of the Closet Yahoo! News, July 8, 2004 By Lisa Von Ahn New York--Say "skateboarding," and most people think of underachieving, preadolescent boys personified by television's cartoon slacker, Bart Simpson. Say "mum," and skateboarding is probably the last thing to come to most people's minds. Barbara Odanaka, the founder of the International Society of Skateboarding Mums, wants to change all that. "I like to challenge the stereotypes of mums and skaters," said Odanaka, who lives in Laguna Beach, California, with her husband and 7-year-old son. "Not all skaters are 12-year-old challenging authority." Still, most women who like to skateboard think they're the only ones who practice the sport, even though it was popular among girls as well as boys during its heyday in the 1970s. "Thirty years ago, it was so acceptable to be a girl skater," said Odanaka, 41. "To me, it stands to reason that I couldn't be the only one who has grown up and still obsesses about it." Her organization seeks to help these women find each other. Through her Web site, Skate Board Mom, and media coverage including a recent appearance on ABC's Good Morning America, the group has grown to about 70 women from two since February. Members, who don't have to pay any dues or fees, are from across the United States, as well as Britain, Canada, Argentina, Australia, France, and Denmark. They range from beginners to competitive racers and despite the organization's name motherhood is not a requirement. "I encourage all women," Odanaka said, "but especially women of a certain age." Among these women is 80-year-old Liz Bevington of Santa Monica, California, who took up skateboarding 28 years ago when her son Jason was a child. "I thought it would be fun," said Bevington, who has earned the nickname Skateboard Mama. She and 18 other women showed their stuff in May--on Mother's Day--at the group's first "mighty Mama Skate-O-Rama: in Laguna Niguel, California. A second gathering in New York in late June drew seven participants. Other skate-o-ramas are planned for Long Beach, California, and Portland, Oregon, in August and Newburyport, Massachusetts, in September. In New York, Odanka and the other skateboarders showed off their best moves and helped each other learn new ones. Lisa Woodward, who with her teen-age daughters races in the American Cup Slalom Series for skateboarders, had never tackled a ramp before but was happy to find that she could handle it fairly easily. Alison McGuire skated on two boards at once, a move that drew admiring glances from parkgoers. The 38-year-old mother of two came up from Exton, Pennsylvania. "You never find another mum to skate with," she said. At each event, members also take part in the group's Rolling for Reading program to promote children's literacy. In New York, the women handed out free books to children in the city parks where they skateboarded. A forme sports reporter for the Los Angeles Times, Odanka has written her own children's book, and it's about her skateboarding obsession. "Skateboard Mom" is the story of a mother who rediscovers her passion for the sport when her son receives a board for his birthday. John Allen of New York had brought his 7-year-old son Miles, a skatebording fan, to see the group in New York after reading about them in a local newspaper. "You don't see a lot of women on skateboards," Allen said. Statistics bear that out. Of the 2.3 million Americans who skateboard at least once a week, nearly 90 percent are under 18, according to SGMA International, a trade association for sporting goods manufacturers and retailers. Only about 1.1 percent are between the ages of 35 and 44. The number of frequent skateboarders aged 45 and older is "too small to calculate," said SGMA skpkesman Mike May. "This is obviously a sport skewed to the young. And toward males, who make up about 76 percent of all skateboarders. "Outside of the racing circuit, I never met another adult woman skater until I was 36," said Woodward, who is 37. But Odanaka expects her Web site and organization will bring together what she believes are a significant number of "closet" skateboarding women. "It's not like the Million Man March," she said, "but I'll expect a few hundred by next Mother's Day." |
Dude, That's my Mom! USA Today, June 29, 2004 By Marco R. della Cava Laguna Niguel, CA--Something is amiss in this concrete jungle of a skateboard park. The usual suspects are there, boys with black T-shirts whose wobbly voices ping-pong between bird chirps and ape grunts. But a different breed os skater has just laid claim to this testosterone-soaked turf, distinguishable by the uncool need to be supernice. Just listen. After one skater falls, he's greeted with, "Are you OK?" When a runaway skateboard trips a regular, the cry is instant, "Sorry about that!" This can only be Skateboard Mom, believed extinct after years of watching her equipment collect dust and her youth slip away. Not so fast, punk. "It's all about recapturing that flow, that buzz, that wind-in-your-hair feel, and also coming home bloody," says Odanaka, 41, author of the biographical children's book Skateboard Mom and a founder of the Web-based International Society of Skateboarding Moms. "With every new member, we hear the same thing, 'I can't believe other women are doing this.'" More than ever. Since starting her organization a few months ago, Okanaka has heard such cries from as far away as Argentina. Some of those women may join a pilgrimage to Saturday's International Girls World Championships in San Francisco, organized by All Girl Skate Jam founder Patty Segovia, whose motto is "all ages, all abilities, all girls." And anyone looking to join next year's Jam might consider signing up for "Girls Learn to Ride," coast-to-coast clinics sponsored by beachwear giant Ocean Pacific. "People in the scene always knew women ripped, but it has taken 10 years for them to climb back," says Michael Brooke, publisher of Concrete Wave magazine. "There remains an underlying sentiment that women don't belong, but many guys are being less negative, and many women are pushing hard against it." "The magazine occasionally spotlights female standouts," he says, "but we're dedicated to showcasing a certain level of talent, and with female skaters, well, it's the same difference as the NBA and WNBA." Skateboarding exploded with a populist bang in the '70s, only to grow exclusionary and dangerous. If you didn't skate "vert"--think superstar tony Hawk's risk-defying ramp-aided vertical acrobatics--you didn't skate. Though true die-hards always will risk arrest for risky rides, women of all ages find that orderly parks are more nurturing. "People always think of skateboarding as this tough scene, but I'm always out there with kids and their parents, just one big happy skate family," says Lyn-Z Adams, 14, a phenom from Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, who skates for the all-girl Roxy squad. "Growing up, I wanted to be like my brother," she says. "But today, maybe other young girls will want to be like me." Be like Lyn-Z. It doesn't have that Michael Jordan ring yet, but that isn't stopping a marketplace keenly aware of the $1.4 billion in retail sales generated annually by about 14 million U.S. skaters. The merchandising starts with tyke-aimed toys such as Skateboard Shannon (grab the remote control and watch her wheelie) and extends to women-only clothing and skateboard lines such as Curly Grrlz and Rookie (though other than girlie graphics, women's boards resemble men's boards). ConCrete Divas, a new Boise-based company, started making hats, T-shirts, and sweatshirts for the fairer skateboarder in February and already has seen local demand outstrip supply. "I was teaching skateboarding and started to notice how many girls were out there. though so many of them didn't have the right clothes," company founder Josh Schmitz says. "Girls either wore their brothers' ragged, baggy clothes or really tight stuff, which obviously is no good if you wipe on concrete." A similar sense of entrepreneurship seized day care teacher Faye Richards, 23, of Albuquerque, who recently started Second Wind, a quarterly magazine for area skate fans, many of whom are mothers like her. "Five years ago, I knew no one who skated," she says. "Now, it's new women every time you go out. This is about to blow up." One scene veteran agreens that things are looking very much as they did a few decades ago, when the sport had more to do with fun than fury. "There's definitely a renaissance going on, and it's not just with girls coming back," says Stacy Peralta, director of the celebrated 2001 documentary Dogtown and Z-Boys. "The older folks, now settled, are looking to recapture that moment in their life when they felt truly liberated and free. For many, that was skateboarding." Here at this pristine skatepark, an oasis of unblemished concrete just south of Los Angeles, Odanka and a half-dozen other skateboarding moms are grinding away as a searing guitar solo blasts over the loud speakers. "For kids, I prefer skateboarding to Ritalin," says Sunny Elizabeth, 37, a single mom sharing quality time with her brood: Vienna, 17, Carly, 15, and Caity, 9. "It's a good way for them to channel their estrogen. I want them to beat the boys at their own game." For Elizabeth, a family that skates together, stays together: "I don't give my girls cell phones. I come here with them and skate. It keeps me young, and I know all about the newest music." "I stopped for 25 years, but I never stopped loving it. I'd walk into skateboard shops to gawk like most women do in jewelry stores. It's a sickness," says the woman with 19 skateboards. After a stressful time following the birth of her son, a therapist encouraged her to seek out something from her youth that simply made her smile. Done. "I was never the sorority type," she says, adjusting her helmet and looking at her friends. "But this is definitly my kind of sorority." Character building comes up often in conversation with this group. Fun with a message. "There's always a lot of ladies out here when I'm skating, and I think it's cool," Taylor St. Romain says. He lets out a small, 12-year-old sign, "I wish my mom skateboarded." |
How to get Back to the Grind USA Today, June 29, 2004 By Marco R. della Cava Summer's here, and the time is right for poppin' an ollie (getting airborne while the skateboard sticks to your soles) or walking the dog (advancing the board end over end). Or maybe you just want to feel the pavement click-clicking by under your humming urethane wheels. Either way, if you're a mom eager to return to the pavement or a newcomer to the sport, Patty Segovia, founder of the All Girl Skate Jam competitions, has some female-focused advice. "To have fun and feel more confident, go to a skate park with a group of girls," Segovia says. "Nothing is more powerful than a ollective consciousness." Ladies' nights, a common feature of most parks, are a great way to shed initial jitters, although you'll never be alone at most parks. "About 25 percent of park skaters are female," Segovia says. For a constantly updated lisk of parks, check in with the Skate Park Association of the USA. Be sure to greet the concrete with the right gear. "Helmets as well as knee and elbow pads are a must," Segovia says. And Darth Vader black isn't the only color option; Bell Helmets offers models in pink, gray, and light blue. Though skateboards are unisex, manufactures such as Curly Grrlz cater to a woman's aesthetic with softer graphics and colors. Ditto skate clothing; Segovia is keen on the "loose-fitting but still girly" styles offered by Nikita and Xtreme Angel. Check out Check It Out, a girls-only skate magazine that will make any women feel as if she's surfing an unstoppable cultural wave. |
Updated on: August 22, 2005
Wenonah Skatepark Wenonah, NJ Wenonah--Over two years ago, the township was planning to build a skatepark here. Where is it? Who cares--you can't use it anyway. Rating: F--welcome to South Jersey. |
MD Skate Parks |
Ocean Bowl Skatepark Ocean City, MD Ocean City--Visited the park on July 21, 2004. The beginner area is a little small, and the pool surface is very rough. The rest of the park is good. I liked skating on a concrete skate park. It was over 90 degrees that day. No problem--walk about three blocks to the ocean and cool off! Drove past the another skatepark at the other end of town. It looked like the small, modular parks that are in New Jersey--so I kept on driving. Rating: B--small size but better than other parks that I have been to. |
Can't find NJ skatepark information on the Internet? Skateboarding can be exciting and fun--but not if you live in South Jersey! Welcome to my Web site. It's a collection of skateboarding pictures and information. I've tried to correct the grammar from the newspaper articles--but now I have to proofread for typos. Corrections will slowly be made. Thank you. |
Skateboarding Business Shopping Halloween Holidays |