Skateboarding has a long history dating back to the late 1940s to early 1950s when surfers in California would ride the streets when the waves are flat. What started as a simple wooden board with roller skate wheels has transformed into a global event. Today, skateboarding is celebrated for its sense of athleticism, creativity, and the unique freedom it offers to riders of all ages. This exciting sport continues to grab followers worldwide, from penny boards to skateboards, skate parks to street spots.
Skateboarding is an art form that allows individuals to express their personalities and creativity through daring tricks, and maneuvers either shredding through skate parks, grinding along city streets, or conquering epic ramps, rails, and skateboarders showing their unique style and technique. From nailing the perfect ollie to a gravity-defying kickflip, each skater brings their own talents to the sport, continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible on a four-wheeled board.
Skateboarding has also created a powerful sense of community and camaraderie among its participants. This culture encourages skaters to support and inspire one another, regardless of their skill levels or backgrounds. Skate parks serve as gathering places for people to share their passion for the sport, exchange tips and tricks, and cheer each other on as they attempt to master new tricks. Moreover, skateboarding has transcended different boundaries, with countries across the globe embracing the sport and hosting international competitions that attract high-end riders. You might know some of them such as Daewon Song, Nyjah Huston, Kris Markovich, Jamie Thomas, Aaron Homoki (Jaws), Rob Dyrdek, Tom Penny, Andrew Reynolds, and the most iconic, Tony Hawk, often regarded as one of the greatest skateboarders of all time. Hawk revolutionized skateboarding with his incredible skills and innovative tricks. His influence extended beyond just skateboarding, he became a cultural icon, inspiring generations of skateboarders to pursue their passions fearlessly. Another notable figure to mention is Rodney Mullen, known for his technical ability to invent new tricks. Mullen’s contributions to street skateboarding are unparalleled; he introduced numerous ground-breaking moves that pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible on a skateboard.
Crownpoint New Mexico has struggled to find ways for a positive change. Introducing a skatepark could transform the dynamics of this town, providing a platform for empowerment and social interactions. With the transformative power of a skatepark, I can see a future where Crownpoint and its people thrive alongside it. The skatepark can be used as a positive change, one of the most significant benefits of a skatepark is its potential for Crownpoint and its people. Often, many people in small towns like Crownpoint lack places for positive youth interaction. But a skatepark not only allows them to show off their skateboard tricks, but also serves as a social hub where they can interact, form friendships, and become part of a larger group. This sense of belonging can greatly impact their self-confidence, mental health, and overall perspective on life.
The skatepark can introduce a sense of discipline, perseverance, and determination among the people. Skateboarding, like any other sport, requires practice, patience, and the ability to learn from failure. Crownpoint can learn valuable life lessons through the skatepark such as the importance of resilience, goal setting, and hard work. These qualities can be applied to other parts of their lives allowing them to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams. The skatepark serves as a booster for social change creating a space that breaks down social barriers and promotes friendship regardless of age, gender, or personality.
In an interview with my sister, she stated that “A skatepark in Crownpoint would be a good idea for students so they don’t have to be home all the time.” When asked where the park should be built, she said “I would say to build it within half a mile from the hospital in case anyone gets hurt. A good size would be about the size of the skatepark in Gallup.” In addition to my sister, a variety of students I have spoken to have reacted positively to the idea of having a skatepark.
However, not all Crownpoint residents support the idea of a skatepark. One resident, who would prefer to remain anonymous, was asked if she believed a skatepark would be a positive addition to the community. She responded emphatically, “No, because it would be a waste of money and It’s too dangerous to have one.” The dangers of injuries are among the biggest concerns about skateparks.
Some additional benefits may include the development of other facilities, such as parks, trails, and open spaces as Crownpoint witnesses the positive impact of the skatepark. It could be the start of many places students could go, instead of being stuck indoors.
A skatepark would act as a unique attraction for Crownpoint, drawing in visitors from nearby towns and even other small places like Red Mesa, Becenti, Little Water, and many other people who do not have access to a skatepark. Skateboarders, or those who are simply interested in skateboarding, could come to visit Crownpoint to enjoy the skatepark while they are here, and these visitors are likely to spend money in the local stores such as restaurants, cafes, and retail stores like Basha’s, Speedway, Crownpoint trading, Grandma’s restaurant, and the flea market.
The construction of a skatepark in Crownpoint has the Possibility to bring many economic benefits and opportunities for Crownpoint. A skatepark has potential to be much more than just a recreational activity, it is a lifestyle and an opportunity for self-expression and self-growth. From its very beginnings on the streets of California to becoming a worldwide phenomenon, skateboarding continues to captivate and inspire individuals of all ages. With its combination of athleticism, creativity, and community, this sport represents a unique blend of artistry and athleticism that has truly left an incredible mark on the world, and hopefully that impact will be expanded to the community of Crownpoint in the near future.
