Campbell Park is the new home for skateboard enthusiasts

BY ALLEN A. BUCHANAN, Staff Writer

ST. PETERSBURG –The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new state-of-the-art Regional Skate Park took place Saturday, June 2 in Campbell Park. Hundreds of rippers, and those just curious, experienced not only the opening of the new sports facility but observed first-hand the thrill of three skateboard competitions: Skateboard Bowl (8 ft.) Best Trick, Skateboard Street Best Trick and Skateboard Vert Bowl Best Trick.

“Nothing makes me happier,” said Leisure Services Administrator Mike Jeffries after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Two years ago, however, there were many in the community that didn’t share his sentiments. At a design meeting, Maria L. Scruggs, president of the NAACP, St. Petersburg Branch, voiced her concerns with the construction of a skate park in an underserved African-American community.

“Why would the city invest in and support a skate park when there are other more pressing socio-economic issues in the community, she asked at a public meeting.”

And although the area has more pressing economic needs, the money used to build the park came from the Weeki Wachee Fund, which can only be used for recreational projects.

And if you aren’t into skateboarding, the new park has you covered.

“You can use your skateboard. You can use your BMX Bikes. You can use your inline skates. You can use your Razors,” said Jefferies. “Whatever you use, this skate park is designed to accommodate everyone and every skill level.”

Former City Council member Karl Nurse had championed the idea of building the facility since the early 90s when many people looked down on the idea.

“This would not have happened if the City Skateboard Alliance had not filled the city chambers over and over and over again,” he said.

Many residents in the area felt that black children do not skateboard and that the money should have been used for a facility that catered more to the area’s needs.

To answers those concerns, Michelle LeFleur-Box, executive director of Boards For Bros, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization fully committed to providing equipment, safe skate spots and youth mentoring in our community, said they have been working in the Campbell Park neighborhood for more than a year giving children skateboards to get them excited about the sport.

The new facility’s three competitions gave not only St. Pete, but the entire Bay area a taste of future possibilities of the caliber of events that could be hosted there. Both those who have embraced the sport and those who are willing to step out of the box can showcase their skills in a safe environment.

Vert Bowl Best Trick

Steven Pineiro – Best Air

Steven McKaig – Longest Grind

Tyler Coffman – Best Lip Trick

BMX Street Best Trick

Dylan Carter – 1st place winner

Nick Carballo – 2nd place winner

Ryan Torrance – 3rd place winner

Skateboard Street Best Trick

Sly Sullivan – 1st place winner

Marse Farmer – 2nd place winner

Markus Jalaburr – 3rd place winner

Skateboard Bowl (8 ft.) Best Trick

Steven McKaig – 1st place winner

Keith Baldassare – 2nd place winner

Tyler Coffman – 3rd place winner

To reach Allen Buchanan, email abuchanan@theweeklychallenger.com