Skateboarding Ramps Up With New Park
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Skateboarding terms such as pipes, bowls and big air are overheard more these days in conversation around Mooresville, which now has a park dedicated to the popular sport.
The seven-acre park was created next to the Iredell Avenue police station after a former skate shop owner decided to donate more than $100,000 in ramps, pipes and other types of skating equipment to the town, says Wanda McKenzie, director of the Mooresville Recreation and Parks Department.
“It’s a win-win situation,” McKenzie adds. “There are a lot of kids who will use it.”
The park is being phased in, with a 10,000-square-foot portion opening in fall 2008 and plans for a second, possibly larger phase to be developed in 2009.
“Phase one includes the parking lot and other infrastructure, plus the concrete needed to place the equipment in strategic locations,” McKenzie says. “Phase two will include concrete bowls and other features for more advanced skaters.”
Steve Davis, owner of LKN Skate Shop is especially pleased with the town’s plans.
“There are lots of skateboarders here, so the park will be a good addition,” Davis says.
Davis opened his shop on North Broad Street in downtown Mooresville in June 2008 after closing a similar business in the Denver community.
Prior to the opening of the Mooresville park, skateboarders used private property, public spaces or traveled outside the area to ride, Davis says.
“We hope to offer some classes at the park,” he adds. “I’d also like to offer some summer camps or teacher-workday camps, if possible.”
The majority Davis’s customers range in age from 6 to early 20s, he says. His sons Jackson, 13, and Jordan, 6, both are skateboarding enthusiasts. Jackson participates in competitions all across the country.
“I was born in this area, but I grew up racing motocross,” Davis says. “Jackson was the reason I got into this business.”
Besides skateboards and hardware, Davis stocks a variety of related items at the shop, including apparel and shoes. Popular brands include Audiovox, Emerica, Fallen, Etnies, DC and Vans.
According to Recreation Management magazine, towns across the country are increasingly putting skate parks at the top of their wish lists for new amenities. Studies show that most skate parks are heavily used but cost little to maintain, thanks to rugged concrete construction and weatherproof features that stand the test of time. In addition, health proponents say that activities such as skateboarding can help reduce obesity among young people.
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Story by Renee Elder
