I still have some cruising boards of different styles, from ‘60s style sidewalk surfers (similar to penny boards, but higher quality) to fully modern carving style boards (Original Skateboards). I’ve been skating around Cincinnati since the mid ‘70s. Lots of places have come and gone. The Anderson park seems very family friendly, and good for all levels. Just try to keep your kids in pads and helmets. After it all, I’ve come around full circle, and right back to where I started, just cruising the neighborhood sidewalks.
My friend Randy Brown is very involved in the Cincy skateboarding community. He actually built a small skateboard "park" in his backyard, and has been one of the people working to create more skateboarding parks in the city.
I know the push right now is the replace the playground under the Big Mac bridge (which was set on fire by miscreants, closing the I-275 bridge for 100 days) with a skateboard park instead.
When it's not too crowded that stretch of parks (Yeatman, Smale, TM Berry Friendship and so on) would be a nice place to skate. I'm done with skateboards and inline skates but I do roll through there on my bike occasionally.
I think both could work there. We never went before it burned, but it looked nice. There are a lot of options here, considering. We'll see how far they progress. For now, I am happy to just "board" alongside.
Just a note and encouragement to always wear a helmet. My son died when 16 in a skateboard accident because he wasn't wearing his helmet. He was a good skater and usually wore his helmet. This one time he was not doing much of anything riding around outside our house and fell off landing on his head. He had no other injuries than some scratches and bruises but 24 hours later we were faced with the decision about donating his organs.
I share this to say - it only takes one time doing something simple without your helmet that can cause life altering or life ending injury. I still actively support the skateboard (basically anything with wheels) community but I won't lie I promote helmet usage whenever and wherever I can. I am not a parent with a pitchfork about it but it is a high risk sport that should be respected as one. When I give presentations at elementary schools I leave them with Get it - Fit it - Wear it.
I also encourage thinking about publishing 'cool' pictures that include riders not wearing a helmet. If kids see others riding wearing a helmet that will help it become a habit. Those 30s and older will continue to ride in the culture they grew up with (I hope note) but maybe collectively we can set a different example with young kids. No one liked wearing a seat belt until culturally it was no longer a big deal. Now we (most of us) get in a car and don't even have to think about wearing a seat belt.
One last thing - our loved ones wouldn't want us to get hurt in a skateboard accident either. Remember there are people who love you and would miss you terribly if you weren't here. The 'new' normal without my son never gets better.
I still have some cruising boards of different styles, from ‘60s style sidewalk surfers (similar to penny boards, but higher quality) to fully modern carving style boards (Original Skateboards). I’ve been skating around Cincinnati since the mid ‘70s. Lots of places have come and gone. The Anderson park seems very family friendly, and good for all levels. Just try to keep your kids in pads and helmets. After it all, I’ve come around full circle, and right back to where I started, just cruising the neighborhood sidewalks.
Good advice! Hope you enjoyed the video since you know the spots.
My friend Randy Brown is very involved in the Cincy skateboarding community. He actually built a small skateboard "park" in his backyard, and has been one of the people working to create more skateboarding parks in the city.
I know the push right now is the replace the playground under the Big Mac bridge (which was set on fire by miscreants, closing the I-275 bridge for 100 days) with a skateboard park instead.
When it's not too crowded that stretch of parks (Yeatman, Smale, TM Berry Friendship and so on) would be a nice place to skate. I'm done with skateboards and inline skates but I do roll through there on my bike occasionally.
I think both could work there. We never went before it burned, but it looked nice. There are a lot of options here, considering. We'll see how far they progress. For now, I am happy to just "board" alongside.
I still remember my first CCS blank and the excitement of getting the newest catalog in the mail.
Good heavens! Tristate orthopedists no doubt will be delighted to make your acquaintance.
Interesting article.
Just a note and encouragement to always wear a helmet. My son died when 16 in a skateboard accident because he wasn't wearing his helmet. He was a good skater and usually wore his helmet. This one time he was not doing much of anything riding around outside our house and fell off landing on his head. He had no other injuries than some scratches and bruises but 24 hours later we were faced with the decision about donating his organs.
I share this to say - it only takes one time doing something simple without your helmet that can cause life altering or life ending injury. I still actively support the skateboard (basically anything with wheels) community but I won't lie I promote helmet usage whenever and wherever I can. I am not a parent with a pitchfork about it but it is a high risk sport that should be respected as one. When I give presentations at elementary schools I leave them with Get it - Fit it - Wear it.
I also encourage thinking about publishing 'cool' pictures that include riders not wearing a helmet. If kids see others riding wearing a helmet that will help it become a habit. Those 30s and older will continue to ride in the culture they grew up with (I hope note) but maybe collectively we can set a different example with young kids. No one liked wearing a seat belt until culturally it was no longer a big deal. Now we (most of us) get in a car and don't even have to think about wearing a seat belt.
One last thing - our loved ones wouldn't want us to get hurt in a skateboard accident either. Remember there are people who love you and would miss you terribly if you weren't here. The 'new' normal without my son never gets better.
Hope this wasn't too bummer of a post.