Building a future for skateboarders
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Skateboarders of all ages gathered for the 20th annual Skate Jam on Saturday, Aug. 20, to show their best tricks and raise money for an expansion of the Seventh Avenue Skatepark with a $222,000 goal.
“Having a skatepark is really important in a community,” said Jesse Vargas, Polson Skatepark coordinator. “It keeps people out of trouble and is an outlet for kids.”
The Skate Jam is one of many ways the skateboarding community is raising money to build new obstacles like pyramids, rails, boxes, and steps. They have also sold merchandise, gathered donations, and applied for grants.
In addition to the expansion, experienced boarders are working towards increasing participation and improving area skate culture.
“The special part about this park is that we have the older crew that helps the younger ones,” said Bradley Pichler, local skater. “We don’t influence them with bad behaviors. We try to reflect a good outlook on life, along with helping them skate.”
Pichler is a mentor to 13-year-old William Hameline and 11-year-old Zaquawn Bourdon, just two of Pichler’s fans.
“It gets me hyped up to watch Brad,” Hameline said.
Hameline and Bourdon gazed in admiration at their skating hero.
“Brad is awesome,” Bourdon said. “Watching him helps me think of new tricks that I can learn.
Pichler, 21, recently finished third at a skateboarding competition in Coeur d’Alene, ID. He is hoping to turn his skating hobby into a full-time profession.
“Right now, it is just my secondary, but of course one day it is every skater’s dream to make it a job,” Pichler said. “It is slowly getting to that point. I just want to do the best I can.”
The young skaters are taking full advantage of open communication at the skate park.
“I always ask for tips on a trick if I can’t get it,” Hameline said. “They are all pretty nice and just want to help.”
The Polson Skatepark was originally built with a goal towards creating a positive relationship between skateboarders.
“I love when we get new boarders,” Vargas said. “The whole goal is to keep kids interested and in a healthy atmosphere. That is why we have things like the Skate Jam. It is nice to compete but also just fun to get everyone together.”
Vargas is hoping to have the money raised within the next year for the expansion. Community members can donate money to the Polson City Skate Park account or call 503-577-9277 for more information. Skate Jam from page 17 vj
