Hey There,

I was reading an interesting article recently on a South Dakota skatepark that has designated certain times throughout the week for family skate time.

If you’d like to read the article for yourself, please find it here: http://www.brandoninfo.com/article/20110630/NEWS/110629003/1001

Let’s face it, if you’re young, a skatepark can be an intimidating place. Also, due to social pressures and the desire to fit in, it’s really uncool to be a skatepark with your parents and other family members. As I’ve blogged about in the past, the overall perception of skateboarding is changing. Before, it was misunderstood and considered to be something “punks” took part in, or was something for kids who just wanted to be rebellious and destroy public and private property. Television, movies, formal competitions, professionals, extra-curricular programs, parks, camps and general media coverage have all been key contributors in the social paradigm shift.

One thing that hasn’t changed, is parent’s desire to support their young children’s athleticism and sporting events. I think this park in South Dakota is doing something really great, and I think you’re going to be seeing it more and more. By designating times for families and younger skaters to come to the park, it’s allowing the overall popularity and strength of the sport to grow. If skateboarding can become as commonplace as, say, Little League, the benefits to the sport in general will be tremendous.

If you have some opinions on this you’d like to share, I’m certainly open to the discussion. You can email me at info@libertyskate.com

Thanks and if I don’t write you beforehand, have a safe and happy 4th of July.

You can’t have everything. Where would you put it?,

Jason