Argenta News - Attack of the skateboarders

Attack of the skateboarders

Written by Eric Francis

Wednesday, September 10 2008

Had a talk with Sandra Taylor Smith at the History Commission, who told me about this thing:

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What is it, you ask? Click "Read More" for the details....

Sandra said this concrete parking barrier appeared in the vacant lot next to the History Commission building not long ago, and is being used by skateboarders who seem intent upon reclaiming that lot as a place to thrash. This thing wasn't just dropped on the ground -- it's attached with some sort of adhesive. Some thought went into this.

For those who haven't been around long enough, some history: This lot was the location of the original city skate park, complete with some big wooden ramps the city had put up for the skaters. It was disassembled when the renovation of the original City Hall and fire station began so it could become the new home of the History Commission. Several years after the skate park at this site was dismantled, the city built a new skate park in Riverview Park on River Road. The lot next to the History Commission building was sold to developer Sam Perroni.

Sandra also noted that the big, concrete planter on this same lot near the back of her building had recently been filled with ornamental vegetation by Don Chambers of the Argenta Downtown Council -- and someone (she suspects said skaters) dumped a bunch of concrete chunks in there on the plants; the blocks were removed and the plants, while worse for wear, are still there. But Sandra's worried this is a portent of possible future vandalism. What's next, she asks, grafitti on the side of the 113-year-old building?

I haven't seen anyone skating on this site, but will talk with them if I do. I'm curious as to the motivation to reclaim the lot for skating; I happen to know that the skate park, in the assessment of one skateboarding pro who was in town to visit family a few years ago, felt that while it had a fine bowl, it lacked in obstacles one would find when skating a city landscape.That kind of skating has a totally different appeal than the high-flying stuntwork you see done in bowls and half-pipes. Could be some youngsters have decided to put together their own skating cityscape.

For all that skaters have a bad reputation as slackers, etc., I don't really have a problem with them using this lot for skating as long as 1) the property owner is okay with it, and 2) they don't vandalize the area. But I also suspect they'll never get past requirement 1, since liability issues (as well as the property damage) are what have led many businesspeople in many cities to ban skaters from their property.

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Comments (5)

Witnessed
Written by Sonja Miller, on 10-09-2008 13:52
I saw skaters there about approximately two months ago while Scott and I were out walking. I'm sure they are there all the time, just no one has caught them yet. I also must say, they are not kids, per say. They are at least early 20s and if not, definitely old enough to know better. Is there anything could really be done to put an end to this? I'm with Sandra on the possibility of defacing a 113-yr old building, and that will be next if not the former police substation.

Written by Chauncy Gardener, on 11-09-2008 08:09
I've seen these guys there a few times. They bring a piece of iron, something like a railroad rail and take it with them when they leave. My impression is that they are practicing privately to go back to the skate park with new moves. They take skate boarding seriously and seem to work hard at it. This site has water for them. I think they mean no ill-will, but expect to be treated poorly. I don't assume they are up to something bad when I have contact with them, but they are wary of me.

Not a Skater...
Written by Big dog daddy, on 11-09-2008 08:26
I'm not a skater myself but have watched with these guys with amazement at the park. What if there was a small area designed for them to use, out of the way of the historic buildings and such. so they could practice their moves. If they had that, they may appreciate the fact that it was done and respect the downtown area, and the people more. Just a thought.

Attack?
Written by Scottc, on 12-09-2008 13:13
That sounds a little hyperbolic. If the skaters are in their 20's, I don't think vandalism is on their minds. I know former skaters who are businessmen, and who have PHDs.

Was there a history of vandalism to those buildings when the skate park was at that location?

skate park addition
Written by Nick, on 15-09-2008 11:18
I've heard the city is expanding the street section of the Riverview Skate Park. Maybe with this addition these skaters will be lured away from downtown.