Ok, so its gone live.....kinda

Well, as you probably can tell the current xparks website is far from finished.  I am really new to this kind of stuff, so please bare with me.  However, it will get done!!!  I'll keep posting updates until this is finished.  Also, I'm currently beginning to put together a business plan for the Pottstown Skatepark.  I NEED HELP!  So if you have any knowledge you are willing to share please go ahead and e-mail me at xparks@live.com.  Peace out.

NEW SITE COMING SOON!

The platform of this blog will be changing very shortly.  My hope is to have a brand new site up and running with the URL of Xparks.com or .net by the end of this week.  However, just know its coming soon so blogposts will be X-tremely light until then.  Thanks!

Nate

Can't we all just get along?

You know, we dont all have to agree on everything.  But when it comes to community needs, lets not let our egos get in the way of what is truly best; especially when youth are involved.  This is a classic case of the bickering that occurs during the process of building a skatepark.  However, check out this interesting quote, "There has been no trouble at the skate park in Port Pirie and the council has reported the crime rate went down by 60 per cent when the park was built."  Sounds like the neighboring town got the gist of things.

Click here for the whole story.

Skater hit by a car

The last thing anyone wants to hear is about a skater or bike rider getting hit by a car.  Fortunately in this case the skater is ok.  However, this should prove evidence that riders of all disciplines need a safe place to practice their craft.  Too many skateparks have been labeled as memorial's because of reactionary motivation.  Click here to get the whole scoop.

Pipedreams do come true

Check out these 3-D renderings of a proposed park to be built in Lacombe, CA.  The township has earmarked money to help finance the project.  Click here to read about the details of this project.

Town wins big on grant dollars!

"A bike park and tubing hill will be part of Frisco's expanded peninsula recreation area, offering an enlarged skate park, a new lodge, and jib park. The 220-acre project will likely cost the town around $5.5 million."

Totally stoked for Frisco winning a huge grant towards its project thanks to the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Board.  Click here for the full story. 

Parents just dont understand

 I remember when my mom wouldn't let me go to FDR because she didn't want me around "bad" kids.  Lets not hide the truth, there is a 'rough' side to the whole action sports scene.  However, it is not the majority.
 Click here to read the full article.

Yea, I actually ride too

Out of Hand Nathan Smoyer from chris bird on Vimeo.

So, just to share a little more about myself I have linked my other blog about my current internship, just click the title.  Also, be sure to watch the video above.  I feel its important I disclose that I actually ride.  Peace!

Grass-Roots efforts

Check out the Belltown, Conneticut effort to build a skatepark.  A true, classic example of a grass roots approach!  Click the title on here to visit their blog.

"The skater makes the board"

If there is one aspect of action sports that those on the outside do not often recognize in positive light it is the amount of self-discipline and individual creativity that goes into each discipline.  Here's an article from the Oak Ridge Newspaper finally giving light to this. 
Click here to read the full article.

City in Texas goes all out!

Its always good to read the success stories.  Here's a short one not focusing on just a skatepark, but on recreation as a whole.  This town in Texas has truly out done themselves and should be what other townships look to for a great example!  Click here for the article.

Parks do not produce juvenile deliquents

I'm not sure when lawmakers will wake up and smell the coffee, but drugs do not directly relate to action sports.  Lets be clear here, those who do drugs and underage drinkers do so on there own because of their interests.  It is not the norm or majority of skaters and bike riders to be regular users.  Go here to learn about a park facing the unfortunate adversity of overcoming the stereotypes in the UK.

Police keep notes of BMXer riding a bowl?

So, for whatever reason some still believe skateboarding or bmx riding is a crime.  Even more ridiculous are those individuals that still believe riding a bike inside of a skatepark.  Below are two examples of such record keeping from Brookings, Oregon.

If this is happening in your town, send me an e-mail at : xparks@live.com

Saturday, Nov. 28
Bike/skateboard complaint, 11:47 a.m.: Police received a report of bicycles being ridden in the bowl at the skatepark.

Sunday, Nov. 29
Bike/skateboard complaint, 2:10 p.m.: Juveniles were warned for riding bicycles in the skatepark bowls.

Ramp Ranch Demo

This sounds like its going to be CRAZY!!!  Some indoor parks still exist as is evident of the upcoming Ramp Ranch Demo scheduled for December 5th.  Peep here for more information.

Skatepark "how to" Webinar

December 16th, Skatepark Systems will begin hosting a monthly webinar with information and tips regarding the complex process of building skatepark.  This sounds like its going to be really informative, I cant wait!  Click on the title above for more info.

Berkeley County BMX/Skate Park to Open

It's always worthy to give props to those able to open park in their town. This one is by far nothing ground breaking, but for the riders in that town its something. Congratulations! Click the here for details on the opening day ceremony

Skaters for a Cause

Pembroke Skatepark - Battle of the Bands

I LOVE hearing about battle of the bands fundraisers. They are that much better when they're benefiting an Xpark. If you're going to be in the area, make sure you check out this event!