Petition for a skate plaza.

DeanerPPX

September 1, 2011 11:03 AM

I want to sign this petition, but not if it specifies LaSalle Park as the location.

What to do? Click 'yes' and hope the addition comments section gets read, or click 'no' and again hope that the comment section explains that I simply endorse a different location...

[ Reply ]

Score: 15 ( 19 votes )

LouisTully

September 1, 2011 11:54 AM

Agreed, don't like LaSalle Park for the location.

[ Reply ]

replied to DeanerPPX

Score: 13 ( 17 votes )

Scottwf

September 1, 2011 2:01 PM

definetly don't like lasalle park for this...
under the thruway would be a great choice AND protected from the weather a little bit.

[ Reply ]

replied to DeanerPPX

Score: 14 ( 14 votes )

brownteeth

September 2, 2011 6:42 AM

I agree there may be better locations, but what does the skating population prefer? After all there the one's who will be using it. If they want it at LaSalle then let them have it at LaSalle Park.

[ Reply ]

replied to DeanerPPX

Score: 5 ( 5 votes )

Mark_P

September 1, 2011 12:43 PM

Yeah I guess I'll go with "no" and comment that its an amazing idea but only if they put it downtown where it should be

[ Reply ]

Score: 6 ( 10 votes )

The Boss

September 1, 2011 1:03 PM

Why not Lasalle..just curious

[ Reply ]

Score: 1 ( 7 votes )

LouisTully

September 1, 2011 1:23 PM

Accessibility. Ability for surveillance and providing public safety. Lack of identity. No connection to a neighborhood. Uniqueness. Under a highway provides protection from elements.

Now if my memory serves me (help me out if I'm wrong), there was a lot of effort that went into opening City pools, including the one at the foot of Porter and at the mouth of LaSalle. Shortly after it was opened, there was some sort of vandalism, correct? So if my memory recalls correctly and this is at least sort of what happened, how is the City going to provide safety and security for a skate park drawing vastly different patrons than a pool, and likely located deeper into the park.

[ Reply ]

replied to The Boss

Score: 3 ( 9 votes )

LiveFastDie

September 1, 2011 1:28 PM

The people that were pushing this from the get go , members of the local skateboard community, have been looking at LaSalle Park for a while. It's not like the Mayor showed up and threw them an out of location of the top of his head. So while it may not fit into an outsider's ideal location it seems like it was more than suitable to the people who will actually be skating it.

[ Reply ]

replied to LouisTully

Score: 5 ( 5 votes )

LouisTully

September 1, 2011 1:36 PM

Fair enough. However, one would have to remember that even the people who will not be using it have a say in the decision for where it should be located.

[ Reply ]

replied to LiveFastDie

Score: 7 ( 13 votes )

LiveFastDie

September 1, 2011 2:00 PM

If that was the argument against putting it downtown I could understand it. In the other thread people were very high on locations like Burnside and FDR but those were built in parts of their respective towns where the kids using the parks could get away with writing graffiti and playing loud music. Giving soccer moms some bleaches to sit on while their 13 year olds skate the bowl before going to grab some ice cream was not the priority. It's nice to have this in a spot out of the way where you can get away with dragging down a couple grills, blasting some punk rock out of a crappy radio and having a skate jam on a weekend afternoon.

Not everything has to be safe and sterile.

[ Reply ]

replied to LouisTully

Score: 10 ( 10 votes )

LouisTully

September 1, 2011 2:46 PM

And LaSalle Park is the best place for this? FL Olmsted designed LaSalle Park. A good option for getting away with graffiti et al? Let's not confuse perceptions here. One of the arguments is that LaSalle Park is lower traffic, less accessible. However it is still a public park where people from all walks of life go. Including soccer moms, people walking their dogs, and I'd say pretty much people who like a safe, sterile park. If we're looking for a place that doesn't need to be sterile, loud music and graffiti are welcome, and general rowdiness is the norm then something like abandoned Bethlehem Steel might be a better site.

[ Reply ]

replied to LiveFastDie

Score: -2 ( 6 votes )

Planner1

September 1, 2011 3:53 PM

LaSalle is not an Olmsted designed park.

[ Reply ]

replied to LouisTully

Score: 4 ( 4 votes )

BisonBalls

September 1, 2011 4:46 PM

When Olmsted designed South Park, he also planned for an adjacent plot of land to accommodate golf, archery, tennis, etc. That addition was never realized, and now a good portion of the city's parkland is no longer "open space for all." Most of our parks are carved up into a series of special-interest areas for a few people here and a few people there.

I enjoy Lasalle park because it's one of the few open spaces I can enjoy without golf balls flying at me, now I need to worry about skate boarders and bottle rockets and spray paint? I take exception to yet another piece of our parkland being whittled away from the general public.

I have no problem with the city building a skate park, whether it's a simple plaza or the most radical California style place in the world. But I'm not going to be the one using it, so I'm not going to sign a petition for it.

If they built a simple or extravagant skate park downtown, I think I'd actually enjoy going there to watch other people using it. I would sign a petition for that in a heartbeat. But I'll sure stay away from Lasalle Park if that's where they decide to put it.

[ Reply ]

replied to Planner1

Score: 7 ( 11 votes )

DeanerPPX

September 1, 2011 10:32 PM

We all complain every time a building gets torn down for a questionable new build, especially if there's an empty lot just across the street that would have accommodated the new build just as well.

I can't say this is much different, except we are losing a little bit of park to make way for the new skate area. That would be fine if it enhanced the rest of the park (which I'm not entirely convinced they'd go well together). There are dozens of other city-owned locations that would be a better site, so why not improve one of THOSE plots instead of surrendering a piece of park?

We could have a big win by transforming an unused piece of land from crap into something great. But if we trade something that's already good for something that's also good (but has the potential to turn not so great), we're just gambling away money and space.

I'll support the LaSalle Park site only if it turns out to be the best (or only) viable location. Construction can't start any sooner than spring, so that gives everyone a few moths to explore other options.

[ Reply ]

replied to BisonBalls

Score: 6 ( 6 votes )

DeanerPPX

September 1, 2011 1:41 PM

I hate to cross-post the same comment on two threads, but:

Watching that video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNfb11qXEos&feature=related), this could definitely turn into something that adds vibrancy to wherever it is located. I have to admit, though, if it turns into a graffiti magnet, that does have the potential to offend some people's sensibilities. Good graffiti can truly be art, but bad graffiti is just plain vandalism.

I really don't want anyone to start equating skaters with vandals, but will these two pastimes/art forms NEED to go hand-in-hand?

I'm going to add that to my list of reasons why the skate park should be located closer to Canalside and the 190 instead of LaSalle Park. The bad part about LaSalle is that it can be quite isolated, that lack of foot traffic and visibility might encourage vandalism. Even the footbridge over the 190 is already pretty heavily covered in spray paint. If the tagging gets out of hand, it could spread to other park ammenities and turn the whole park into an eyesore. I hate to sound like an old fart, but even music and boomboxes (do they still make those?) would be somewhat disruptive to other people in the park.

If the skate park was located closer to Canalside, it would at least offer some visibility and be able to be monitored by patrols or passers-by. It would be a great place for people to watch and observe the excitement too, becoming a spectator spot as well as a participant attraction. An increase in foot traffic (and skate traffic) can only benefit other developments on the harbor.

On top of that, Canalside is more easily accessible by rail and bus. People can take their boards and bikes on the MetroRail to get there. To get to LaSalle, they'd need to go up and over the pedestrian bridge, over a crumbling Porter Ave bridge, or risk irritating the residents at the Erie Basin Marina (who already bristle at the parking situation every time there's an event at the park).

Lastly, I think there would be a nice symmetry in including a 21st century attraction like this into the 19th century history of the canal harbor. It's an acknowledgment that our great-great grandparents dug a big ditch to ensure the city's prosperity. Okay, we kinda filled it in and forgot about it for a while. But now that we've lost most of that original ditch, we can dig a couple bowls and half-pipes for our kids and grandkids to enjoy this city and make it great once again.

The Canalside people have already admitted that the site is quite limited on how many historical elements can be reclaimed, so why not embrace the fact that this is going to be a fully modern development. Have fun with our NEW reinterpretation of what the waterfront means for our future. Make it a place for our young ones to enjoy, as well as our old-time history buffs.

[ Reply ]

replied to The Boss

Score: 11 ( 11 votes )

RumRunner

September 1, 2011 1:36 PM

Why not under the highway or a future spot in the outer harbor area? Why have a skate park in the middle of an otherwise large expanse of greenspace?

[ Reply ]

Score: 6 ( 8 votes )

Scottwf

September 1, 2011 2:09 PM

i skated in the 80's as a kid. id prefer canalside. for the one big reason THAT THERE IS MORE CONCRETE TO SKATE ON. lasalle park is grass. downtown is a skaters paradise.

[ Reply ]

Score: 4 ( 8 votes )

Ellzy

September 1, 2011 2:20 PM

Definitely NOT LaSalle Park. If they are throwing some coin at this, they should hire some West Coast people to design it. They know how to set these things up properly. Needs to have an urban edge, for sure.

[ Reply ]

Score: 1 ( 5 votes )

LiveFastDie

September 1, 2011 2:35 PM

Totally! We need to put this in Canalside, have it well lit, super safe, a place for bleachers, some concession stands, parking for food trucks to park and lets give it all a faux urban edge!

How many of the people with their undies in a knot over the location of this park even skate? How many put the slightest amount of effort into this project beyond signing your name to a petition this afternoon. This park is not for you.

[ Reply ]

replied to Ellzy

Score: 2 ( 12 votes )

LouisTully

September 1, 2011 2:53 PM

Dude, you sound like you got your undies in a knot. And pretty arrogant to boot. I don't skate. But if you're going to tell me I have less of a say in where this is located just because you do, then I'm taking my tax dollars and going home.

If you don't want peoples support, and you don't want me signing a petition supporting your hobby, then you better start saving your pennies so you can buy some land and build a park yourself. Let me know where you're looking so I can buy up all the land around it and fill it with all the things you love.

[ Reply ]

replied to LiveFastDie

Score: -2 ( 8 votes )

LiveFastDie

September 1, 2011 3:09 PM

I do have my undies in a knot and it's because there are people in this community who have been working on this project for years, not just the day and a half it's been on this site. And there's people posting about how they're going to reply "no" to the petition because they think a skate park would be better suited under and overpass downtown somewhere.

[ Reply ]

replied to LouisTully

Score: 1 ( 7 votes )

townline

September 1, 2011 9:19 PM

Well u are asking others to sign the petition. Not just those who have been "working on this for years.". My experience tells me that a skate park in an isolated location is a bad idea, especially if it does not have private ownership yo concern about it's condition. I will not endorse a skate park in LaSalle. It's a Poor location.

[ Reply ]

replied to LiveFastDie

Score: 2 ( 6 votes )

5to81ALLDAY

September 1, 2011 4:46 PM

i skate

[ Reply ]

replied to LiveFastDie

Score: 2 ( 2 votes )

Penelope

September 1, 2011 2:31 PM

LaSalle is a great location. It brings more life there. Barkyard, public pool, baseball fields, waterfront, and a skateboarding park. Smart!

[ Reply ]

Score: 3 ( 5 votes )

https://www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawkMphMztfvgC-hSMOYheqVOh-I3me3nKY8

September 1, 2011 2:48 PM

LaSalle is just an isolated island. Put it downtown where kids could take public transportation to it and go other places.

As much as I love the BarkYard, it feels like what it is, an isolated block of fenced in grass with nothing else around it. It could be anywhere. Now a DT park with other things to walk to with your dog would have me more interested to stick around and drop some $$$. Maybe even try to live.

Same for the kids. Why isolate them in LaSalle park? It is an easy pick because of all the underused space. But a good reason for all the underused space is that there is nothing else nearby without a car. It is basically a suburban park in the city. Drive the kids in, pick them up. This is the generation we should be trying to hook on the city and all the possibilities it offers. They have money to spend and will only have more as they age. Get them living the experience.

[ Reply ]

replied to Penelope

Score: 8 ( 8 votes )

brownteeth

September 2, 2011 6:54 AM

Isn't a park supposed to be isolated? If I wanted to go to a dense area I'd go downtown. I go to parks to get away from that.

Although I think there's better locations I'm supporting the location where the end users want it. I can already see this turning into a shit show of arguing for the next 10 years and nothing getting done. It's a skate park, not a new arena. Let the user's decide. My tax dollars support all kinds of things I don't use and that's fine.

[ Reply ]

replied to https://www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawkMphMztfvgC-hSMOYheqVOh-I3me3nKY8

Score: 2 ( 4 votes )

urbanbflo

September 1, 2011 2:43 PM

I think downtown under the I190 would make more sense. Using otherwise useless space and giving the skaters partial cover from the elements plus giving the Inner Harbor another dimension or attraction. LaSalle is just not hospitable as far as the weather is concerned; it’s either to cold, to hot, to windy. These kids want an urban environment, not grass & daises.
As far as where under the I190; Place it in an area where it could expand if need be, because it will be at least a regional draw and will be popular.

[ Reply ]

Score: 3 ( 5 votes )

Evan Bussiere

September 1, 2011 3:23 PM

The Buffalo Skatepark Group has been working to get a free, public skatepark for the citizens of Buffalo for well over three years. The input from many of the people posting here is duly noted but let it be known that we had originally tried to gain site control of a parcel under a bridge to no avail. Although covered sites have been used in the past for inner-city skateparks the ones identified were originally illegal DIY style parks that grew into their current forms over the course of many years and many fights with the municipalities in which they are located. See Washington St. in San Diego as an example. The short answer is that it was not going to happen in Buffalo. Not under a bridge.

The LaSalle Park site, though not ideal to many of you (hate to say non-skateboarders?), is what we have been given to work with. And to be honest we love the site. It is over 100,000 square feet, is level, has close proximity to bathrooms and parking, is part of a larger park which is a positive not a negative and does not require any negotiations with third parties (think easements etc. that are associated with a potential 190 site). This site gives us a blank canvas to work with and is very conducive to a phased development scheme.

Furthermore the design for the park is going to be plaza based and not the type of tall, transition based park that many of you have identified as what we should have. Plaza based parks are more street skating based (they replicate real world skate environments) versus the tall, ramp style parks that are common out west. Our goal is to draw skaters from all talent levels and not just the rippers. Do you know what percentage of kids can or want to skate a twelve foot tall vert wall with pool coping? It’s small. Plaza parks are also more easy to maintain and can be reconfigured over time. They also integrate greenspace elements and are more aesthetically pleasing. We are going to include safe areas for viewing too so parents and/or onlookers have an area to watch where they can be safe. These aspects are not generally plausible in parks located under overpasses.

Concerns regarding graffiti are genuine yet typical and can be dealt with through mitigation practices. Plaza design does not present much surface area for graffiti and remember that there will be a user group for the skatepark that will act as a steward to help remove any tags, etc. and to help keep the site clean. And do not think for a second that the Buffalo skaters will welcome kids coming down to their park to do damage. We will take pride in this site and will treat it with respect.

For those of you who want to bring up the taxpayer funded argument please know that this is going to be funded through a combination of public and private funds. The City owns the land so we do not have to expend any funds for acquisition. We will host a series of fundraisers to raise capital for a professional design for the skatepark (likely through NewLine Skateparks or a similar firm) and we hope to have donations from the business sector as well. Remember that these parks consist of high psi concrete and steel, hardly anything else so the costs of materials are not prohibitive. Yes the City of Buffalo has offered to kick in funds but we are not counting on them to solely fund this park. A respectable skateplaza can be developed in the 200-500k range which, over a series of phases, may be doable in the next few years with a combination of public and private funds.

LaSalle Park has been undergoing a rebirth with the introduction of the Barkyard, extensive capital improvements to infrastructure and athletic fields and the restoration and expansion of the centennial pool complex. We hope to continue such rebirth with the addition of another piece to an evolving, underutilized waterfront gem.

Ask any skateboarder in town if they would rather have a skatepark in LaSalle Park in 2012 or nothing at all. Ask JP from Sunday what kind of feedback he has heard for years from the local skate community.

We are thankful that the City has blessed us with such a parcel and Mayor Brown, Commissioner Stepniak and Deputy Commissioner Rabb should be championed for their vision, efforts and support. Think big picture and positive everybody. WE ARE GOING TO BET A FREE PUBLIC SKATEPARK IN BUFFALO. Please support this going forward and thanks to all of you that will support his project.

[ Reply ]

Score: 16 ( 22 votes )

JM

September 1, 2011 4:50 PM

'DIY style parks that grew into their current forms over the course of many years'

This is why it seems so strange to force a plaza in a green-space when there are so many areas that already have that 'real world feel'.

I support you, I just think a better space could be used. Don't settle just because they are offering. If i still skated I'd prefer an urban setting. Sure if you ask skaters if they want a public park or nothing they'll choose a public one, even if they don't know where lasalle park is. Now ask them if they would rather have an urban park downtown or one in a giant green area.

Like I said i support you guys and know if this works like you want it will be pretty cool.

[ Reply ]

replied to Evan Bussiere

Score: 2 ( 6 votes )

5to81ALLDAY

September 1, 2011 4:54 PM

I'm sure you have seen Dyrdek's skate plazas. Are you going to have your 'urban obstacles' actually look urban?

Are they going to look like they are part of real urban building with brick siding and waxed curbs or are they going to be superficial?

Is there going to be inner-park landscaping to make it feel more urban and create real life obstacles real skaters encounter when on the streets?

[ Reply ]

replied to Evan Bussiere

Score: 1 ( 1 votes )

Evan Bussiere

September 1, 2011 6:17 PM

Yes I am familiar with Dyrdek's plaza.

The goal is not to replicate an urban-type skatespot but to design a skatepark that integrates the types of obstacles/rails/gaps/banks/ledges etc. that we want to skate.

If you add those elements to an overall aesthetic design that includes safe viewing areas, some greenspace, have it drawn up by an experienced, professional skatepark builder to help mitigate legal issues and place the skatepark into the given site respectively you get one hell of a skatespot.

Take a look at the Ed Benedict Park skateplaza to get a better sense of what we were going for.

Remember this is going to be a micropark within a larger park so we will try to have a design that won't make the skatepark seem alien in its setting. And we will not have to sacrifice riding surface or minimize the obstacles/rails/gaps etc. that we want.

Is there anything in particular to skate that you were looking for? Rest assured there will be a waxed curb somewhere in the park (especially for us older skaters).

[ Reply ]

replied to 5to81ALLDAY

Score: 3 ( 3 votes )

https://me.yahoo.com/a/Wmm5RrES1Y5f2dPang1OEglbcI48eA8-#1f111

September 1, 2011 7:48 PM

id be down for a free park anywhere, as long as bikes would be allowed... and are you only looking to put in "urban/street" stuff or would you guys put in some traditional park stuff like a bowl, mini ramp/halfpipe,street spine/spine,flyboxes or any of that sorta stuff ?

[ Reply ]

replied to Evan Bussiere

Score: 0 ( 0 votes )

Ellzy

September 1, 2011 4:11 PM

Evan- Do you know who you are going to have design the park? I'm ecstatic that it's all actually coming to fruition. If done properly, skaters (from all over) will flock there in droves. This is exactly the type of progressive development the city needs. Just FYI, there is a skate park developer out of Ohio called Suburban Rails. Their resume is impressive, and they even seem to help with the business side of running a skate park.

[ Reply ]

Score: 1 ( 1 votes )

Evan Bussiere

September 1, 2011 4:44 PM

Hi Ellzy. We had contacted NewLine back in 2008 when we were trying to initially develop the skatepark but we have not been in contact since. We will likely put out a bid to experienced skatepark developers (in accordance with any applicable bid requirements) once we have a better sense of what our first phase development budget is. The budget is going to be contingent on how much we can raise over the fall/winter in addition to whatever monies we may receive from the City.

And thank you for your enthusiasm regarding the park.

[ Reply ]

replied to Ellzy

Score: 2 ( 2 votes )

brownteeth

September 2, 2011 7:05 AM

I appreciate your business sense and the fact you have clearly done your due dilligence. People tend to overlook all the behind the scenes work that goes into projects like this and just complain that it doesn't suit their needs even though it has no effect on them whatsoever. You're not going to convince everyone but you don't need to so just keep on keepin' on!

[ Reply ]

replied to Evan Bussiere

Score: 2 ( 2 votes )

buffaloTrek

September 1, 2011 4:50 PM

put it in the empty space across the street from the new Riverfest Park, theres always people skateboarding there anyway

[ Reply ]

Score: 4 ( 4 votes )

caseysmigelski

September 1, 2011 7:06 PM

Yea I would have to agree. Support the project but not on the 'island' of lasalle park. Across from River Fest park would be amazing with an old industrial feel that can be incorporated into the park.

Maybe someone from the planning group should try and contact Peg.

[ Reply ]

replied to buffaloTrek

Score: 0 ( 0 votes )

JM

September 1, 2011 7:13 PM

She has other plans for that land.

[ Reply ]

replied to caseysmigelski

Score: 0 ( 0 votes )

ShredTheGnar

September 1, 2011 7:10 PM

i dont care too much about where it is.. i mean were gonna have a park to shred i was wondering if this park is bike friendly??

[ Reply ]

Score: 1 ( 1 votes )

Evan Bussiere

September 2, 2011 7:12 AM

Yes the skatepark will be bike friendly.

[ Reply ]

replied to ShredTheGnar

Score: 2 ( 2 votes )

LouisTully

September 2, 2011 1:57 AM

Whatever ends up happening I hope it is a success and meshes well with whatever community it is in. Based on Evan Bussiere's comments it sounds like the group has their act together.

[ Reply ]

Score: 2 ( 2 votes )

buffaloroamer

September 2, 2011 5:57 AM

If you're calling in planners and designers,why not have them submit plans/ideas/concepts for either area; downtown or LaSalle? Those that have been working on this project for years already will get to see a concept they might like better downtown or those who don't want LaSalle might see a great integrated project that keeps all happy. Either way I love the idea and would definitely be a spectator as I find the sport thrilling and exciting. But honestly, I would visit more downtown as I would integrate my visit to the skate park with Canalside.

[ Reply ]

Score: 1 ( 1 votes )

schvanstuchen

September 2, 2011 8:17 AM

This should be in an urban environment. It is exactly the kind of amenity that could help add people and vitality to downtown. Don't rush into LaSalle because that's what is given to you.

[ Reply ]

Score: 0 ( 2 votes )

Evan Bussiere

September 2, 2011 9:32 AM

Again, let us state that we are thrilled with the LaSalle location for the reasons stated in my earlier comment. One point I failed to mention is that the location negates any NIMBY issues which would arise in an "urban environment" due to the number of users and the amount of noise an active skatepark can generate. The LaSalle location eliminates this key problem. From a genuine practicality standpoint the LaSalle location is ideal for logistics and phased growth. It provides so many positives and yes, a few negatives, but the scale is tipped way to the positive side.

And we are not "settling" with the parcel the City has provided for us. There have been plans to include an action sports area in LaSalle Park since the late 1990's. This project is a continuation of the development the City has been conducting in LaSalle to increase visitor-ship to the waterfront.

I have been under the impression that increasing the amount of citizens that travel to downtown Buffalo has been one of the big picture goals for the City. Apparently for many of the commenters this is only correct in connection with certain areas of downtown, not the large waterfront park we have there.

I am unclear as to the impression that LaSalle Park is not located in an "urban" area. LaSalle Park is located on the water in downtown Buffalo. It is not as isolated as it has been made out to be in these comments and adding this amenity to the ones it already has is going to help make the whole park a more desirable destination.

We, the skateboarders of Buffalo and the ultimate users of the park, do not want to wait for another three years for the best, perfect, ideal location for the skatepark because there will never be a consensus opinion from all the citizens of Buffalo as to what constitutes such perfection.

The skatepark is going to be located in LaSalle Park. We have site control. We will design and develop a skatepark that will be seen as an asset to the park system and the City of Buffalo. And we will continue to devote and volunteer many, many hours to make it happen. If people choose not to support us in our endeavor that is their choice. I hope they will reconsider.

[ Reply ]

Score: 4 ( 4 votes )

caseysmigelski

September 2, 2011 7:25 PM

I guess you touched on one of the issues right there - noise from a skate park. Are people going to a public park really going to want to be subjected to said noise on a regular basis?

Also, judging from some of the images that have been provided here of examples of what you are trying to create, this is going to be quite large. I have to say it again, we have huge parts of the city that are not developed/under developed that would be prime locations for this. Is taking away existing green space really the best option?

I know you don't want to wait but you could run into some opposition on this just judging from the comments on here alone. Researching alternate sites might not be a bad idea. You are right that you will never make 100% of the citizens happy but it also seems you are unwilling to try...

[ Reply ]

replied to Evan Bussiere

Score: 1 ( 3 votes )

5to81ALLDAY

September 2, 2011 9:42 AM

Concrete > Asphalt. Asphalt gets to soft in the son and makes it very hard to pick up speed in the summer.

Please tell me this design is going to be concrete...

[ Reply ]

Score: 0 ( 0 votes )

Evan Bussiere

September 2, 2011 10:34 AM

Typically plazas use >4000 psi concrete as the main riding surface. It provides a very smooth surface and does not need to be seamed which makes for a durable, resilient surface. We may, depending on funds, incorporate an area with some tile/brick too to enhance the audio aspect of an obstacle as well. For example if we make a banked section the run-up may be brick as well.

Again, this is not going to be some poured pad with some junk obstacles plopped on top. It will be a skate plaza design that will include areas for all talent levels. Anyone from a beginner to a pro can enjoy a well built ledge or gap.

And thanks for your support!

[ Reply ]

replied to 5to81ALLDAY

Score: 2 ( 2 votes )

5to81ALLDAY

September 2, 2011 9:51 AM

contrary to our origininal posts, this seems to be more of what the park is aiming for, much smaller obstablces of rails, ledges, and small ramps for the beginner to intermediate skater.

Ed Benedict Park - Portland, OR
http://inhabitat.com/skate-parks-jump-the-gap-to-green-design/

DC Skate Plaza - Kettering, OH
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.sudskates.com/DCskate_plaza.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.sudskates.com/July2005.html&h=262&w=350&sz=41&tbnid=ct6XG8ICmki8jM:&tbnh=106&tbnw=142&prev=/search%3Fq%3Ddc%2Bskate%2Bplaza%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=dc+skate+plaza&docid=fXPCHoLrh4S7AM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=0PVgTo-hF-7J0AH27qUm&sqi=2&ved=0CDwQ9QEwBA&dur=51

[ Reply ]

Score: 0 ( 0 votes )

photobuff66

September 3, 2011 8:37 AM

A:building a skate plaza is easier and cheaper to build on an open green space rather than under a bridge where you have to deal with the integrity of the 190 overpass and all the concrete that needs to be tore up.(saves$for taxpayers )
B: how many times have you stepped foot in LaSalle park in the past few years?
C: the noise from a concrete skatepark is not loud enough to bother anyone!(unless you'll be wearing your wisper 2000)
D:all the skaters i know in Buffalo are respectful taxpaying adults who will NOT be spray painting graffiti or drinking in public.
stop living in the past this kind of thinking is why so many smart talented young people leave Buffalo!
do yourself and the future of Buffalo a favor and vote yes!
then call these guys to build it
http://whoskates.com/

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Score: 0 ( 0 votes )

caseysmigelski

September 3, 2011 12:08 PM

A: obviously. This is why the site was chosen by the group. But is going cheaper and removing something that is already "good" the best option?
B: was just there today and go multiple times per month
C: then was Evan concerned with the potential noise level in his above comment at a possible alternative site?
D: personally, I had no worries of any misbehavior so that is good to have my feelings reaffirmed

As I said, I was around there today and there is plenty of vacant land/lots on fourth street that would fit the project and still remain in the same neighborhood.

I support the project and think it would be a great addition to the city, but removing something good and replacing it with something good doesn't seem to provide any additional benefit to me. Replacing vacant land (bad) with something good (the skatepark) seems like a positive in all directions.

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replied to photobuff66

Score: 1 ( 1 votes )

Travelrrr

September 13, 2011 10:40 AM

Interesting video on the skate movement in Youngstown: http://rustwire.com/2011/03/31/video-youngstowns-bridge-movement-skateboarders-give-back

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Score: 0 ( 0 votes )

eazyd

September 18, 2011 4:22 AM

In regards to mayor Brown's skatepark... FUCK YOU! A skate plaza??? Build us a fucking rip park with some tranny. Why do people in Buffalo skate like bitches?? If I want ledges and stairs I'll go skate ledges and stairs..no point to re-create that in a park. Build a real fucking skatepark then maybe this shithole would have more rippers. Fuck all, at least the rochester skatepark will have a bowl and a snake run...oh wait it's Rochester...people actually skate in Rochester. Skate or Die JP. Hook us up with a shred park no pussy shit, it's your only chance for Buffalo to redeem itself. Bad skate town..change it.

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Score: 1 ( 1 votes )