Talking about a Tacoma skate park

There's discussion going on (here , here, and here) about getting a skate park together somewhere in downtown Tacoma. No real descisions have been made but the biggest question is "Why?" I ask that from a purely "devil's advocate" approach only because I favor the idea but don't know the true reasons behind it.

At last week's public spaces workshop the ten groups that scrutinized areas in and around Pacific Plaza nearly all mentioned the need for a skate park in their report back to the entire group. Mind you, these were mostly local business leaders and middle class, middle age folks at this thing (with a few youthful exceptions). Why would all these people think spending money on a skate park is a good idea? My gut says because they want to corral skaters off in some corner somewhere out of sight and range of their damaging boards and tricks and "young whipper snapper" ways (listen to the under 705 idea - go to 5:30 in the audio clip). Only one group suggested not tucking them away to hide them somewhere but instead suggested various skate park elements be spread around downtown. (micro-sites skate park - skip to 7:15 in the clip)

An approach like this could do a few things. First, it avoids the "we don't really want to see you" mentality that is given to any "undesirable" group in our society. It's a difficult and rewarding sport that anyone can do nearly anywhere without the usual need for a court or field. I have to believe that part of what's exciting about boarding is the thrill of the hunt -- finding that one rail or edge in town that no one else has or that just plain rocks. Let's encourage that exploration and thrill by molding surfaces and avoid posting "no skateboarding" signs but instead post "skateboarding here" signs.

Although I officially stink, my buddy Steve (of the Fergusons) and I have been boarding a bit mostly to keep in shape for next years snowboarding season. Unfortunately, even though we surely don't fit the "boarder" stereotype, I feel like a bit of a criminal just practicing in a sloped parking lot or along the street behind my office. I don't want to feel that way and I sure as hell don't think it does any good for the youth just out to have a good time. Let's not just create a skate park/area but let's hold city-sponsored competitions, invite punk bands to play, etc. Let's make this happen but let's do it for them, not for us.

Update (2006-05-19 @ 9:18am)
Looks like the Friends of McKinley park have a skate park/plaza in their recently approved master plan [pdf]. Yes, there is indeed a park that many zoom past across I-5 from the Tacoma Dome. Looks like it could be pretty cool if that master plan comes through!

Thu. May 18, 2006, 09:30pm PDT

Photos ~ Tacoma Farmer's Market and 3rd Thursday

Sarah and I spent the day working but also getting out a bit to enjoy the town. The year's first farmer's market took place and so did the third Thursday of free museum admission. The market wasn't as busy as it will be both in vendors and visitors but it was a stunning day for it. The temperature was perfect which avoided everyone dashing for a spot of shade. We did found a nook out of the sun and enjoyed our lunches together. After work we met up for dinner at Cascade Bagel and ate our food at a table outside. Did I mention the weather today was perfect? Afterward we headed to the Tacoma Art Museum to see an impressive exhibit featuring American modern art in various themes from the early 19th century from over 40 artists. It was an impressive collection that was very thoughtfull put together.

It was a great day/night be be out and about in Tacoma and I was pleased that others seemed to be taking advantage of it.

Also: Sarah's thoughts on the day