Just a “few” words before the Bethlehem Skateplaza opens tomorrow….
I have no words to express this weekend means to me. So many people have been part of this project through your support to the plaza itself or with all your encouragement to me personally. We’ll finally have a place for all of us to meet, skate and have fun in our own town. We’ve been on the road for so long; traveled to so many towns together- now it’s our turn to watch the nomads come to our park. I’m glad this day has come and we’ve made together as a scene I’m proud to be a part of.
This is just the start. The day after the 18th, all eyes will be on the skateboarding community and what we do with this plaza. The locals that have championed this project we’ll be expected to set a positive example- whether we recognize it or not. How we as a skate community conduct ourselves is a big deal now. The City, the public and the press will be on the edge of their seat wondering if they made the right or wrong decision. If they feel good about it then phase 2 & 3 will come faster. If the minimal problems they fear so much like drinking, litter, graffiti, trespassing after hours and fighting occur all the support we’ve accumulated can quickly turn against us. There are just some people who love saying “I told you so.”
We’re in a very peculiar spot as skaters right now. We have a lot riding on our shoulders- more than some might realize, all dependent on how we treat this first phase of the Bethlehem Skateplaza. There are now opportunities to build more skateparks in Easton and possibly putting in a better park in Allentown. Maybe the Bethlehem Skateplaza inspired kids on other towns to stand up and say “What about us?” “If Bethlehem can do it, why can’t we?” These other cities are starting to listen but we need to be sure they can never say ”We’re not building a skateplaza or skatepark because look at what happened in Bethlehem.”
We have everything going in our favor right now: favor in the City’s eyes, the backing of the community, the support of the local media and a growing buzz in the skateboarding world. All we have to do is keep things positive and use this plaza for what it’s for- the fun and progression of skateboarding. The example must be laid by us- we have to show the younger generation park etiquette, tell these youngsters its not worth fighting someone who accidentally cuts you off, keep the drinking and smoking outside of the plaza, pick up the trash others might leave behind. The future of the skateplaza and the possibility for more parks is literally in our hands. We’ve set the bar high with this one but . . . We got this.
Thank you all for your support of Homebase & The Bethlehem Skateplaza
-Andrew Po
