bethlehem skateplaza updates
2.25.2010:
Chris Cole Comments on the Bethlehem Skateplaza (Repost).
If anyone would know what’s up with a good skateplaza Chris Cole would.
He won this year’s Maloof Money Cup which is an invitational contest on a skateplaza that replicates true street obstacles just like the Bethlehem Skateplaza. The Maloof Cup course was built by California Skateparks which is one of the park builders bidding on the Bethlehem project as well.
I sent Chris Cole some information about the Bethlehem Skateplaza in hopes he would be able to come out for mid-October ground breaking ceremony. He won’t be able to make it but he sent these words of encouragement:
” Arizona has a ton of parks, all concrete outdoor, and all good. California has a skatepark for every town…literally! Growing up in Pa we had few if any parks. Most kids have to drive hours to get to one. Building Pennsylvania skateparks is a project we should all work on. I can’t wait to skate it!!!”
Hopefully by late Spring or early Summer Chris. Thanks homie.
2.24.2010:
Progress on the Bethlehem Skateplaza Site 2.
“Most of the underground water retention work is completed. Construction begins on the footers for the skateable obstacles within phase 1 of the skateplaza. If you get a chance, go by the site in the coming weeks and check the progress. Take photos and post them for all to see.”
- Erich Hornung, skater and architect on the Bethlehem Skateplaza design team.
F.A. Rohrbach has been putting in overtime making the best of every “nice” day to make sure we stay on schedule to have Phase 1 of the skateplaza finished by Summertime. F.A. Rohrbach is a local contractor that specializes in architectural cement structures. Many of the best local skatespots in the Lehigh Valley were made by them- like the Allentown Arts Walk (which is now skate stopped).
This slab of cement will be the support structure underneath the replica Boston City Hospital Volcano.
This guy was awesome. He reminded me of John Leguizamo and was psyched to be working on the skateplaza even though it was freezing cold outside. From the skaters to the City officials to the company building the skateplaza- there’s an overwhelming sense of pride that will no doubt help us see this through to the very end.
Also in phase 1 will be two obstacles with a variety of ledges, manuel pads and other replicas of known skatespots.
The pillars and foundations are also being set for these obstacles as well.
Dry!
The construction can only go as far as we have funding for though.
Right now we only have the funding to finish up to the volcano but we would like to also open up in the Summer with these two addition:
*Please note that these renderings do not 100% accurately represent what will be built. For example, the rails coming off the 4 sets will not run into the ground- they will be more like flat bars.
We are in the process of trying to raise another $100K+ so we can build these 2 additions to phase 1. One way is collecting donations from the community on our Paypal Donation Link. If you’re asking “When will the skateplaza be done?”
Have you donated yet?
The Pepsi Refresh Project is a way we’re hoping to raise $250,000 in March. This is a way EVERYONE can help us raise funds at no cost. All we need are your votes- and the votes of everyone you know.
Here’s an example of how Pepsi Refresh has helped one organization.
Visit Pepsi Refresh Everything to find out more and VOTE STARTING MARCH 1
2.23.2010:
Help the Bethlehem Skateplaza Win $250,000 of Pepsi’s Money.
WE NEED YOUR VOTES STARTING MARCH 1ST.
Starting in March the Bethlehem Skateplaza will be up against several other projects for a grant of $250,000. The grant will be given to the project that gathers the most votes from March 1st til March 31st. Check out this video to find out a little more about the Pepsi Refresh Project
We all use the internet right? I mean, you are reading this post.
If you use the internet you can vote for us.
If you use a site like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr or Blogger- you have the ability to link up our Pepsi Refresh Project page.
The more people we can make aware of this, the better chance we have to win the grant and complete the Bethlehem Skateplaza. Please stay tuned for more or visit the Pepsi Refresh Project website now.
2.1.2010:
Homebase and the Bethlehem Skateplaza Featured on Nike SB Website.
Skip all the nonsense and jump to the actual feature HERE on Nike SB’s official website.
Thanks to Tyler and Mark over at Nike SB for hooking up this shop interview. As exciting as it is that people from all over the world will get to read bout what we’re doing here out in the 610, this is exactly the kind of coverage we need to keep spreading the word about the Bethlehem Skateplaza.
Thanks to Max Zahradnik for the shooting the new shop photos for the interview. We sent them some images of the shop team shredding but ended only running images of the shop and plaza. Sorry guys- you still rip.
We also got some coverage on Focus Skate Mag’s website too. Check that out HERE.
1.22.2010:
How You Can Help the Bethlehem Skateplaza Right Now.
You may or may not have heard but we recently broke ground on the skateplaza on January 6th. I wanted to follow up and let you know what you can do if you want to get involved and support the Bethlehem Skateplaza.
A HUGE part of this project is just getting the word out about the Bethlehem Skateplaza. As skateboarders, we should the most excited about this project because it’s for us. If we aren’t talking about, telling everyone we know what’s going on and how they can help- how can we expect this plaza to get built? This is a community effort that needs your help.
How You Can Help Right Now:
1) Get the right information by visiting BethlehemSkateplaza.com & Homebase610.com
2) Tell all everyone you skate with, you’re related to, everyone you go to school with, work with and even people you don’t really like all that to go on BethlehemSkateplaza.com & become friends with the skateplaza on our Facebook Fan Page.
Why?
There are some major corporations that are considering investing money in the skateplaza but they want to know how many people will really be using it. I know and I’m sure you know how big this skateplaza will be for us but a corporate suit probably doesn’t. They only know numbers so we need to show them numbers.
If we can tell them 5,000 people visit our website a day and we have 10,000 Facebook Fans that is something they can relate too. That tells them there are thousands of people who care about this project and will possibly buy there products if they support it. That translates into thousands of people who will see their advertising or will buy their products.
You might not be able to make a donation online but making sure you and people you know visit the website online is just as important- and it’s really easy to do.
3) That brings us to donations. BethlehemSkateplaza.com has a Paypal Donate button on it where you or your parents can make a secure donation online directly to the City of Bethlehem for any amount of money. Every little bit does help and if those of us who are looking forward to skating this plaza won’t come out of pocket to support it- why should anyone else?
We’re trying to build the East Coast’s largest skateplaza and not charge the users for skating and riding it. That definitely worth $5, $10, $20 right? Right now we’re also working on making collaboration products with skate brands to benefit the skateplaza. For example, would you buy a set of Spitfire Wheels for $5 more if you knew that $5-$10 of that sale would benefit the skateplaza? What about a Homebase deck, T-shirt or DVD? Etnies, Spitfire, Mighty Healthy, DGK and Expedition are just a few companies that have reached out already and shown interest in doing something like this. We’ll definitely be letting you know about this as it develops but don’t be surprised to read in Transworld or The Skateboard Mag too.
The Skateplazaza Design:
As a skater on the east coast I think that this plaza will be unlike anything else out here. I was a part of the design team and we tried to replicate many of the spots we see in videos and magazines but are across the country or on the other side of the world. For many skaters who don’t get the chance to travel, this will be their chance to skate “that spot in Barcelona” or “that one spot got destroyed a few years ago.” The China Banks, the Boston City Hospital volcano, the slanted manuel pads Joey Brezinski always skates, the LA schoolyard bump to bench, the Brooklyn Banks wallride, Hubba Hideout, China’s wavy ledges Guy Mariano handled in Fully Flared- we’ve done our best to replicate all of them.
Link Up:
Do you use Facebook, MySpace, Twitter or have your own website and blog? Link up with Homebase and the Bethlehem Skateplaza. The more places people can see our sites, the more chances we’ll have to let people know about the skateplaza. We’ve recently gotten some coverage in the local media and it would be awesome if you re-posted it on your pages. If you want to link up, the skateplaza’s official website is www.BethlehemSkateplaza.com
Other Bethlehem Skateplaza Links are below:
Full and unedited version of “Invest in the Youth” by myself, Andy Po. What the skateplaza is from a skater’s point of view.
The Morning Call Town Square “Invest in the Youth” article as it ran in today’s paper.
The Morning Call “Ground is Broken for the Bethlehem Skateplaza.” article from Jan 7th
“6 Out of 7 City Council Members Prefer the Bethlehem Skateplaza” – How we fought to save our funding.
Images of the construction progress on the skateplaza site.
Video from the Groundbreaking Ceremony Q&A Session
Please Join The Bethlehem Skateplaza Facebook Fan Page.
Follow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/BethSkateplaza
1.21.2010:
“An Investment in Our Youth” Runs in the Morning Call.
After the groundbreaking I was contacted by The Morning Call to write an article on my view of the Bethlehem Skateplaza for their Townsquare column.
That’s pressure.
I had roughly 700 words to sum up how huge of an impact this project is going to on the community and how we need your help. I guess in all the typing and re-editing I accidentally sent them one of my first drafts which ended up running in today’s paper.
Read it on Mcall.com: “In Investment in the Youth”
I like the version but really wished I sent them my revised version . . .
The Bethlehem Skateplaza is a prime example of the local government listening and responding to the changing needs of its constituents. The need for safe, legal and public facilities for skateboarders to practice their passion has been one of Bethlehem’s many needs since the late 70’s when skaters first took to the city streets. Our project will not only benefit the action sports enthusiasts of Bethlehem, but it will also attract those from the rest of the Valley, the tri-state area and beyond. These tourist skaters and their families will ride our plaza, eat at our restaurants, shop at our boutiques and stay in our hotels which supports our local economy.
Even before I opened the doors of my business, Homebase Skateshop, I have been advocating for public skateparks in Bethlehem. Whether it was with C.A.T. in high school, The Bethlehem Area Free Ride Association in college or now for the Bethlehem Skateplaza. I’m thankful that our Parks Department and Mayor’s Office have always stood firm with their support of the skateboarding and BMX culture for the past decade. Not many skateboarders can say that about their city officials. We’ve been fortunate to have many members of the city council, local leaders in the community and even the police commissioner speak out in favor for construction of the skateplaza instead of simply stereotyping skaters as “delinquents who need to grow up.”
And yes, we are grown up. Our culture is a growing billion-dollar industry with professionals who share sponsors with “legitimate” athletes like Lebron James and Manny Pacquiao. Locally, I know skaters from the early 80’s that teach at our schools, practice at our hospitals, sell our stocks on Wall Street and still ride their skateboards regularly. I am proud the City of Bethlehem sees us for whom we are and shares our dream to add “destination skateplaza” to the list of reasons that make Bethlehem one of the finest cities in the country. That’s coming from a kid who grew up in San Diego.
What exactly is a destination skateplaza?
Skateplaza is a term used to describe a new kind of skatepark that only incorporates elements found naturally in an urban environment. To a non-skater, this area would look like any other public park filled with artistic architecture, benches, staircases and hand railings. The skateplaza could be a place to watch a concert, meet a friend or enjoy a nice summer afternoon. Our concept includes using the space for events the whole community can enjoy.
Destination implies the unrivaled design and vast size will give enthusiasts outside Bethlehem a reason visit our city. Many elements we incorporated are located in other states, foreign countries and a few no longer exist. Our design team, consisting of skateboarder and architect Erich Hornung, local ramp builder Chad Shaner and I tore through skate magazines, watched skate DVDs and traveled to Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia and Barcelona copy the architecture we saw. The skateplaza is 750 feet in length and over 40,000 square feet in size is literally a tour around the world for someone rolling through it with a trained eye.
In difficult financial times it’s obviously a major concern of many taxpayers, “Why the City is spending money on a luxury like a skateplaza?” The Bethlehem Skateplaza will be built mainly using money raised through community donations, applying for applicable Parks and Recreation grants, local business sponsorships and hopefully corporate advertising dollars. Our goal is to tap into local tax dollars as little as possible.
As a business owner struggling to ride this economy out to see brighter days, I’ve learned that partnering up with like-minded individuals and working together are what works best for everyone. This skateplaza is a partnership between the community and the city. It’s an investment in our youth who need to be encouraged to pursue healthy activities that instill positive qualities like camaraderie, patience and determination. Lessons people may have picked up in little league, from a high school football coach or playing soccer can also be learned while riding a skateboard, using inline skates or on a BMX bike in a safe, legal and positive environment like the skateplaza.
I would encourage anyone interested in following the progress of this project to visit the official website, www.BethlehemSkateplaza.com. The efforts of the Parks and Recreation Department have brought us the groundbreaking of Phase 1 but we need more support to have it ready to skate by July 2010. Financial donations are our number one need but with more people simply talking about the project, the more opportunities we’ll have to find the right community partners to help complete the Bethlehem Skateplaza.
1.19.201:
Progress on the Bethlehem Skateplaza Site.
Drove by the skateplaza site lately?
There’s definitely ground being broken up, dug up, cleared and moved. I’m no contractor so I’m not entirely sure what’s being done but it looks like general site clearing and they are preparing to put in the drainage pipes*.
Either way- its progress.
*(“They are digging for the storm water retention and retension basins first.” -Erich)
Tracking the progress. . . . . . get it?
Laying pipe . . . . . get that one?
Laying pi . . . . Oh wait, I used that joke already.
Look at all this product placement the Sands is getting. I think they should start donating to our plaza.
We’re finally off to a good start but we need a lot of help from the community to see this thing to the completion. Donations can be made on www.BethlehemSkateplaza.com but spreading the word about what’s happening here also helps so follow the progress.
Become a Facebook Fan, follow the project on Twitter and obviously, you can always get up to date info here.
1.15.2010:
$367 Closer to the Bethlehem Skateplaza.
Emptied out the donation jar at Homebase and made a Paypal donation to the Bethlehem Skateplaza.
Thanks to everyone who’s been buying Red Bull’s, coming to video premieres and just dropping some cash in the jar we donated $367.00. That’s a lot of Red Bull.
You can make your own donation on www.BethlehemSkateplaza.com.
No donation is to small- or too large.
1.7.2010:
The Groundbreaking Covered by the Morning Call.
Thanks to Nicole Radzievich for her always balanced coverage of the Bethlehem Skateplaza.
The groundbreaking for Bethlehem’s $1 million skate plaza Wednesday drew more than just the usual crowd of politicians in suits and well-heeled community benefactors.
More than 100 teenagers and twentysomethings came with their skateboards and bikes to celebrate the chilly ceremonial start to what they hope will become a 40,000-square-foot East Coast destination by mid-summer.
Used to being hassled for riding and skating on street curbs and school walls, the extreme sports enthusiasts stood side-by-side with officials who helped them get a place of their own.
”There are places you can drive to, like FDR in Philly, that are good places to skate, but even those places come nowhere close to what’s being built in Bethlehem,” said Ryan Lozoskie, 22, of Alburtis.
Read the rest on the Morning Call website.
If you happen to wander into the comment section you’ll see there are people who like to complain about our project and talk about why it should not be built.
Understand that people not understanding our culture will always be a part of skateboarding- just like getting kicked out of spots will never end.
But here’s what I- respectfully- have to say to the naysayers:
Most naysayers of this project probably don’t understand how this project hopes to come to fruition.
As a skateboarder, local business owner and tax payer I would agree that depleting City dollars for a luxury addition to the City would be a bad use of money but that is not how the Bethlehem Skateplaza hopes to be completed or maintained. The vast majority of the dollars we have come from grants specified to City Parks & Rec projects and the rest will come from community fundraising and advertising sold to local and nationwide corporations.
We are not asking for a total handout.
I’m not here to dispute anyone’s studies about the cost effectiveness of this project but if the money being used to build this skateplaza is being raised by those use seek to use and support it- how does that negatively effect the rest of the community?
As far as liability, all the correct measures have been taken to protect the City of lawsuits- the same precautions used to protect the City from people using City pools, ice rinks and mainstream sports fields.
As far as vandalism and drug use- it’s a possibility but it will be a problem with or without the skateplaza. I’m for what will encourage the youth who patronize my business to stay away from those activities and focus on positive ones. I thank those who look at the youth with open eyes not narrow minds.
1.6.2010:
The Start of Something Beautiful.
THANK YOU ALL.
I just wanted to post up a few pictures before my friends pull my computer out of my hand so I relax and hang out. It was an amazing to to kick off this amazing skateplaza project.
More to come soon . . . but yeah, thank you all for your continued support.
(Ok Alison! I’m getting off my computer!)
Everyone who made signs- you guys & gals are awesome! Especially Mrs. Bonder’s 5th Grade Class.
Can you dig it?
Weathering the cold for the cause.
Skateboarding’s best friend, Ralph Carp- our head of Parks & Rec
Go now: www.BethlehemSkateplaza.com
1.5.2010:
Everything You Need to Know About the Bethlehem Skateplaza Groundbreaking.
Here’s we are, a little under 24 hours before the groundbreaking of the Bethlehem Skateplaza. We’ve been posting, tweeting, Facebooking, MySpacing, E-mailing and talking your ear off about this for weeks now.
JUST IN CASE, someone out there still does not know what’s going down, let’s run through it one more time. . .
Oh yeah- Homebase will be CLOSED BETWEEN 3PM-5PM
The Groundbreaking Ceremony & Reception are on WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6TH, starting at 3:30PM and the whole event is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and PRESS.
The outdoor GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY starts at 3:30pm and will be located on the future site of the Bethlehem Skateplaza, on the Greenway and across from The Sands. If you need to use GOOGLE MAPS 1325 STEEL AVE. BETHLEHEM, PA 18015 as your destination.
The INDOOR RECEPTION will take place in THE FORTE BUILDING (1337 E. 5th St), which is a short walk up the street from where the groundbreaking is taking place. THE RECEPTION WILL BE FROM 4PM-5:30PM. There will be a Q&A panel to answer any other questions from the public and press, we will debut the official skateplaza website and be giving out information so you know how you can continue to be invovled with this landmark project.
We’re changing the way we are giving out Commemorative Groundbreaking T-Shirts a little. . .
Stop by Homebase anytime tonight and tomorrow before the groundbreaking:12-3p or after the reception:5-8p with your homemade sign supporting Homebase & The Bethlehem Skateplaza and we’ll give you a t-shirt as long as you promise to wear it to the groundbreaking- underneath a warm coat of course. Please make it a respectful sign since we will be representing skateboarding in the media.That’s pretty much all you need to know for tomorrow but here’s some information you can keep in mind to keep up with the skateplaza’s progress:
The Official Bethlehem Skateplaza Website- coming soon
The Official Bethlehem Skateplaza Facebook Fan Page
Follow the Bethlehem Skateplaza on Twitter
And of course, you can always get current info here or Homebase’s Facebook & Twitter
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR HOMEBASE & THE BETHLEHEM SKATEPLAZA
1.3.2010:
In Response to Charlie Dent’s Attacks on the Bethlehem Skateplaza.
Supporters of the Bethlehem Skateplaza,
Congressmen Charlie Dent recently attacked the Bethlehem Skateplaza project in a recent speech:
“Dent suggested the city cut waste, such as a planned $1 million skate park that, while financed mostly by grants, will require $100,000 from city coffers.”
- From a Jan 3rd Morning Call article
The accusation the Mayor is “spending” 1 million is false. We’re getting our own funding so if it wasn’t for the skateplaza- none of the money would even be in the City’s bank accounts.
Like I said before, it’s like a kid getting scholarships and grants to go to college and his parents saying he can’t go because the family needs the money.
The money is not transferable.
Donors, sponsors and the State would ask for the money back. As far as the $100,000 Dent is referring to- I believe those are funds given to us by a committee of community leaders from the Southside 2014 committee who decided the skateplaza project deserved that money to benefit the community. If it’s not going to the skateplaza it would be spent on other community projects.
We should all realize the for good or bad this is a politically charged project so it will be used to help or slander someone.
If you would like to help the cause, please respectfully write or call Charlie Dent’s office and let him know that the community wants to see this project build.
We have over 1,000 friends here, 300+ supporters coming to the groundbreaking and many many more supporters who aren’t online. If we all spoke up we would definitely be heard.
We forced changed a few weeks ago- let’s do it again!
Charlie Dent’s Contact Info:
Charlie Dent for Congress
PO Box 442
Allentown, PA 18105-0442
Phone: 610.758.9080
Fax: 610.758.9084
12.31.2009:
A Sign of Things to Come.
That was probably the most obvious title right?
If you’ve driven into the Southside from 378 you may have seen the new billboard right by the exit. Thanks to Adam’s Advertising the Bethlehem Skateplaza is getting exposure on 6 different billboards around the area.
If you find the other 5 send me a a picture. . . and be a part of something groundbreaking.
Save the date y’all:
Wednesday January 6th will the Bethlehem Skateplaza’s officialy groundbreaking ceremony at 3:30pm at the skateplaza’s future locationon the Greenway, 1325 Steel Ave. There will also be a reception at the Forte Building, 1337 East 5th St just up the street from the skateplaza site from 4-5pm. We will be holding a Q&A for the public and press, serving refreshments to warm you up from the cold, debuting the new Bethlehem Skateplaza website and of course we’ll have some giveaways for you.
Please come on out if you can. . . and bring a Homebase for the Skateplaza sign!
I must apologize from the lack of updates due to the Holidays. Don’t worry- got a lot lined up for you so check back often. Have a safe and happy New Year y’all- where you’re at.
12.22.2009:
It’s Official, the Bethlehem Skateplaza Groundbreaking Will Be On January 6th 2010.
It’s been a long time coming. . .
BETHLEHEM SKATEPLAZA CEREMONIAL GROUNDBREAKING will be on Wednesday January 6th at 330pm at the future location of the skateplaza: 1325 Steel Ave. Bethlehem, PA 18015.
This event is open to the public so we hope everyone comes out to celebrate with us.
Any help spreading the word about this event would be much appreciated too. Thanks to all our supporters who believed and were patient through this whole process. Good things come to those who wait.
Thanks to Adam Temple and A.R.T. Productions for the 3-D work.
12.17.2009:
6 out of 7 City Council Members Prefer the Bethlehem Skateplaza.
Here’s my little analogy to the whole situation that unfolded on Tuesday:
Your grandmother knows you really need a new skateboard so she gives you some money to get a new one. Not because its essential but because she knows you work hard at skating and it will make you happy. Imagine your parents take that money and instead of respecting your grandmother’s wishes they put that money into their own savings account because they might need it for gas or the car payment if they can’t pay it with their own money.
Granted, gas and the car payment are important to the family but shouldn’t the parents be responsible enough to take care of those bills themselves without taking your grandmother’s gift?
I’d be pissed.
So here’s how it all came together on Tuesday . . .
I got to the shop a little before noon, grabbed a coffee, checked some e-mails and made signs for our 10 Days til Christmas Sale (ahem)- business as usual. Alison from Eskandalo stopped by just as I got the text from Mark in the Parks Department and I guess my jaw must dropped to floor since she immediately asked “What’s wrong.”
All I saw was “…kill the skateplaza.” I might have mumbled something along the lines of “skateplaza . . . taking our funding . . . what the fuuuuu. . .”
I called the Parks Department once I was speaking in cohesive sentences and got the full story. They heard a rumor that just that morning Councilman Leeson was trying to discretely* add amendment to the final 2010 City budget meeting to try and reallocate the DCNR Grants* the State gave to the Bethlehem for parks projects to a “rainy day” fund.
*Discretely: Meaning the Parks Dept. was not supposed to know about it and the skateboard community was definitely not supposed to know about it. I think the word shady would describe it better.
*DCNR Grants: Meaning funds that the Bethlehem Parks & Rec Department applied for specifically for the skateplaza/greenway from the State, the State came to Bethelehem to hear about the skateplaza/greenway, approved of the project and granted funds specifically for the project from a fund that gives appropriate city Parks & Rec projects funding.
I’m not a city councilman but it does sound like the funds were given to Bethlehem for a skateplaza right?
Again, I’m no big shot city councilman but I remember my parents hounding me to apply for grants for college because because that that was money given to students to help them pay for schooling and unlike a loan, they would not have to be paid back. Sounds free to me. Unless my parents were mistaken.
As I understand it, if we have been working to build this skateplaza with grants, donations, soliciting sponsorships to corporations, businesses and investors . . . How exactly is the skateplaza’s construction burdening the City of Bethlehem financially? To jump ahead, Councilman Leeson’s main point in trying to reallocate the funding was it is not the right time to be spending money “on extras.” To be fair to him, yes the skateplaza is an extra expense but not one the City is paying for. Well, maybe as he would like to put it, “philosophically” we are because State grant money does come from taxpayers.
BUT . . . The large majority of funds we were given by the State from grants designated for Parks & Rec projects and more specifically: for the Bethlehem Skateplaza. No Councilman Leeson, not other City financial needs- not even in the philosphical sense. If anything, building a world-class skateplaza that will cost the city virtually nothing and at the same time attract people to Bethlehem can only help stimulate the local economy.
The rest you probably already read in the Morning Call’s article, saw on Channel 69 or checked out on some local blogs like Lehigh Valley With Love or Whitey Blackman. The local media was excited to point out how we used our Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, newsletter and our website to spread the word about the council meeting. We should all thank Alison for slapping some sense into me because when I read the initial text I definitely froze up. Alison told me to stop crying and start doing something about it so the texting, typing and tweeting began.
Yes, the social media helped spread the word but more importantly it’s the public’s dedication and desire to see this project come to fruition in their lifetime that really drove people to arms when they heard about a plot to steal our funding. We’ve waited too long and come too far to with the Bethlehem Skateplaza to let this go without a fight.
Our call to action was to meet at Homebase at 6pm, march across the bridge as one huge mob and takeover the council meeting.
We made protest signs just to look legit.
Not to say we didn’t have a sense of humor about the whole thing though.
Like clockwork, the shop started to fill up with skaters, BMXers, other local business owners, parents, families and friends. I made one last speech to rally the troops and also let them know yelling and screaming would probably be looked down upon. But if it came down to it, we were prepared to stage a non-violent sit down protest.
Being that it is late Fall, the plan to march was quickly transformed into a plan to carpool across the bridge once we stepped outside. Ray and some other die hard supporters did make the journey on foot, board and by bike though.
There was already a good sized crowd lurking around the Rotunda Room waiting for the rest of us to arrive.
For many of these skaters and BMXers the closest they’d gotten to City Hall was riding the ledges in the courtyard. Now they were involved in swaying decisions at annual budget meetings with the City Council. The youth have a powerful voice when they act in an organized and united fashion. Over one hundred people packed into the auditorium most likely setting a record for budget meeting attendance. Not bad for “kids.”
I wish I knew what Councilman Leeson was thinking as the seats filled?
Must have been something like, “I’m glad they extended unemployment.” Only joking.
What may have been equally surprising to the skaters who attended were the number of citizens who stood up the defend the skateplaza that were by far- their senior. I doubt many people knew Mr. Hudak when we got up to speak and I would bet money a lot of our group thought he was taking the podium to bash the skateplaza. What they didn’t know was Mr. Hudak is a long time southside resident and outspoken supporter of the Bethlehem Skateplaza. He also serves on the anti-gang task force and recognizes that activities like skateboarding and BMX biking have a positive effect in keeping the youth out of gangs and real trouble.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have stood at this podium several other times to promote and defend out skateplaza project but typically in a room full of non-skaters. It was a awesome and humbling experience to represent all my fellow skaters and BMXers as they sat behind me.
I was trying not to blow it basically.
For me personally, the most shocking speaker who took the podium to point out the obvious need for the skateplaza was Bethlehem Police Commissioner Bedics. His requestto create three new police officer positions was also on the chopping block- courtesy of Councilman Leeson and he fought for the skateboarders instead of his own interests.
From my old classmate, Councilman Willy Reynolds’s fired up speech on providing for the youth who choose to participate in non-mainstream sports to Councilwoman Karen Dolan pulling pointing out all the pros to the skateplaza from financial benefits to the backlash the City would feel if we lost State funding due to a underhanded manueaver to reallocate it to Councilman Schweder’s questioning why Leeson didn’t look into other areas of the budget to cut, each council member made it clear they wanted Bethlehem to house the skateplaza just as much as it’s fututre users.
The last councilman to speak was Mr. Mowrer; one of the eldest members of the council. He opened up with “I will never use the Bethlehem Skateplaza” and continued to agree with Councilman Leeson that our City is in a financial crisis but sometimes when it comes to providing for the future of our community “…sometimes we have to go against our better judgement.”
It’s an honor to live in a city where I as a skateboarder can say, my local government has my back.
If any message was sent that night to those of us in attendance, it was there is solidarity behind the Bethlehem Skateplaza.
This is not a case of the skaters versus the city like in many other townships, districts and bouroughs. From the Mayor, City Council, Parks Department, Police Department and the community at large- we are united out efforts.
“It’s a no brainer.”
So where do we go from here?
Stay posted, we’ll be announcing some different ways the general pubic can help the Bethlehem Skateplaza. In the meantime, we are trying to pass out informational tri-fold pamphlets so if you know of any location, school or person who would like to read more about the project, come by Homebase to pick up a copy or a stack to hand out.
You can also visit the City’s website to make a Paypal donation or contact the City:
www.Bethlehem-pa.gov/skateplaza
* Thanks to Daniel Cobar for providing these photos.
12.15.2009:
The Bethlehem Skateplaza Needs Your Help.
THE BETHLEHEM SKATEPLAZA NEEDS EVERYONE’S HELP TONIGHT!!!
Please use Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, your blogs, websites and e-mail lists to spread this message to as many people as you can.
At TONIGHT’s City Council meeting, 7pm in the Rotunda Building between City Hall and the Bethlehem Library, a member of council wants to purpose that all the funds that have been allocated to the Bethlehem Skateplaza and other “non-essential” projects go into a savings account for a rainy day.
I’m not saying that saving for a rainy day in this economy isn’t a prudent thing to do BUT:
1) There are NO CITY TAX dollars going to the Bethlehem Skateplaza
2) The grant money that we raised for the Bethlehem Skateplaza was SPECIFICALLY awarded to the City for the Bethlehem Skateplaza and The Greenway due to the grant writing done by the Parks Department.
3) Members of the state came down and were shown the location of the skateplaza, told about the partnership between the community and the City being built through the skateplaza andwere impressed by our design so the state/federal money was award to our project- not a savings account.
4) The rest of the funding for the Bethlehem Skateplaza is being raised through solicited sponsorships and donations by corporate companies, local business and the community- NOT CITY TAX DOLLARS
I strongly believe that in the long run it will benefit the City of Bethlehem by setting the example of what other cities should be doing for their youth by promoting healthy, safe and legal recreational activities. Skateboarding and BMX are both growing cultures- or sports if you must, in the Lehigh Valley and all over the world. This project is not a financial burden on the City so what is the point of shutting it down?
Please come to the meeting to hear more on this topic and show your support for our future Skateplaza.
If you do not know where Bethlehem’s City Hall is, feel free to rally at Homebase at 6pm and we will cross the bridge in force.
It goes without saying that Homebae will be closing early today.
10.2.2009:
Good Things Come to Those Who Wait.
The Morning Call ran an article today about the Bethlehem Skateplaza building up hype for the groundbreaking that is still scheduled for this Fall.
Everything was pretty positive, slightly corny wording but that’s no big deal and Bubba was mentioned in the first line!
“Skateboarder Austin Smith smiled broadly this week when he learned Bethlehem officials who once cracked down on him are poised to begin work on a $1 million skate plaza expected to draw skaters from across the country. . .”
Read the rest of
My only comment is for Councilwomen Jean Belinski’s comment (She is supportive of the plaza by the way) “I wish there was a way to recoup the money.”
Don’t worry Councilwomen, the idea is to make the skateplaza free on a daily basis to use but if we hold large demos, contests or other events in the space- we can charge a donation fee for them.
It’ll all work out.
9.15.2009:
Taco Tuesday: Homebase x Etnies for the Bethlehem Skateplaza.
Thanks to everyone who made Taco Tuesday a success. We set out to raise some money but mainly raise awareness for the Bethlehem Skateplaza in the NYC skate scene and have a damn good time.
We were able to raise a total of $376 dollars from tips at the bar and the charity cee-lo games and plenty of people from the NY skate scene and industry came out and had a good time. So yeah, it was definitely a good night.
Alex Corporan, of Etnies and Micheal Cohen, of Shut Skateboards.
Ray Mate of Mighty Healthy-one of the night’s sponsors. Check out their sight for their pictures of the night.
DQM Dave snuck in his dog. Possible Homebase and DQM can do a collab in the future?
OG Shut Skateboards and Zoo York rider Rodney Smith (far left) with friends.
Straight off a a plane from Cali, Dan Pensyl- thanks for repping Danny.
Joel Meinholz came thru from Miami throwing 4-5-6’s trying to take kids taco money.
Maybe one of the best and worst ideas of all time- fund raising via gambling. It’s not that it’s never been done but we all know how skaters get when it comes to dice games.
George Williams, QuestNY and Rob Mate, L-R-G/Mighty Healthy.
Gift bags were donated by Etnies, Homebase, Mighty Healthy, Shut Skateboards, Force Trucks and 5Boro. Winners played games of cee-lo and traded in their winnings for bags. Pretty much like an adult version of chuck-e-cheese.
Again, thanks to everyone who came out to support the Bethlehem Skateplaza and also to Panther Media Group and Rewind for putting on these kinds of events.
For more information about Taco Tuesday- visit www.TacoTuesdayNY.com
9.27.2009:
For Immediate Release: The Bethlehem Skateplaza is Now Official.
The City of Bethlehem and the Parks Department have made the Bethlehem Skateplaza an official city project this morning.
This press release was sent to almost every facet of local, state, federal government and the White House. It will also be going to every possible skateboard, BMX and action sports related company, website, magazine, energy drink, footwear, clothing and wax brand in hopes of finding big and little dollar donations and sponsors.
Most importantly we are sending the bid out to all the reputable skatepark/plaza building companies to ensure our plans are built correctly ensuring Bethlehem has a skateplaza worth traveling from all points in the 610 for or from all over the world.
We’ve come a long way with this project but there’s still work to do. Thanks for everyone’s continued support and faith in the Bethlehem Skateplaza.
For Immediate Release: Contact: Ralph E. Carp
The Skateplaza will replicate popular, well-known spots that are publicized in magazines and videos. It will bring the best of
According to Andrew Po, one of the Skateplaza designers, “To the untrained eye, the Skateplaza will look like any other city park you might walk to or eat lunch at; to the avid skater, the Skateplaza will be a trip around the world going from one landmark spot to the next in one push.” Mayor John Callahan states, “It has been a long time in the making, but I am confident the Skateplaza will be world class and worth the wait.”
The completion of the Bethlehem Skateplaza will be the culmination of years of community input, town meetings and fundraising events. The official groundbreaking is expected mid-October. Sponsorships, donations and volunteer opportunities are available and necessary in order to complete the entire Skateplaza project.
Prospective bidders are encouraged to have extensive experience in architectural concrete work and may contact the City of Bethlehem Parks and Public Property office at 610-865-7061 for more information.
4.10.2009:
Every Little Bit Helps.
As you may know, we are in the process of raising funds for the Bethlehem Skateplaza and as they say, “Every little bit counts.”
We raised $2000 the night of the “Where the Heart is” video premiere at the Icehouse and one of the skateplaza designers, Erich Hornung raised a little under $2000 at the L.V. Tattoo Convention auctioning off custom skateboard decks with original artwork on them.
Red Bull has been kind enough to donate cases of Red Bull for us to sell at Homebase as a donation to the Bethlehem Skateplaza.
The Red Bull fridge is in the dressing room by the way and ever can you buy ($2) goes the to cause. Also, all old decks left at Homebase are sold for $10 and that cash is also donated to the skateplaza.
On First Friday at the All Girl Art Show opening we raised $118.21. Slowly but surely we’ll make this happen.
Thanks to everyone who’s been helping spread the word about the skateplaza and donating to the project whether its at Homebase, The Source, Action Wheels, Amatuer Athlete or Zumiez. Even though Homebase been invovled with this project since its inception I welcome any skateshop, skater, parent or business to get involved with this campaign to give skaters a safe and legal place to skate- not to mention its an amazing layout.
Get involved. Ask how by e-mailing Matkinson@bethlehem-pa.gov or Homebase610@gmail.com
4.4.2009:
Homebase Video Premiere Raises $2000. for the Bethlehem Skateplaza.
After deducting the expenses, the video premiere raised a total of $2000 (plus a handful of change) for the Bethlehem Skateplaza from the 400+ people that came, bought raffle tickets, soda, pizza and t-shirts.
There was also a Bethlehem Skateplaza benefit show at St. Bernards Good Samaritan Club on Friday night with several local bands that raised $700 also.
That’s a grand total of $2700.00 we raised by the skateboard, bmx and the community that support our culture.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE.
