Key Milestones and Events
2001
A proposal to build a public skatepark under the west side of the Steel Bridge with wide community support mysteriously disappears from public consideration without explanation.
Frustrated with the Steel Bridge process, Tom Miller, a lawyer, and Sonny Robertson, a graphic designer, “both lifelong skateboarders” meet at Burnside Skatepark, agree Portland needs more than one skatepark and a formal advocacy organization. Inspired by Burnside’s remarkable DIY history, Skaters for Portland Skateparks begins.
2002
SPS campaigns in the streets of Portland and City Council in favor of the Portland Parks levy, which promised $500,000 for two public skateparks.
2003
SPS partners with Ted Wall of Portland Parents for Skaters to urge skatepark construction in Westmoreland Park in Southeast Portland. The proposal generates much controversy fed by stereotypes and mistruths. After more than a year of consideration, the skatepark is included by Portland Parks & Recreation in its Westmoreland Park master plan.
At the request of Westmoreland skatepark opponents, Portland Parks & Recreation commits to an 18 – 36 month citywide analysis of potential skatepark sites before a skatepark may be built in Westmoreland Park.
2004
Recognizing the need for a model skatepark after the Westmoreland controversy, SPS urges Portland Parks & Recreation to use levy funds to rebuild the flawed Pier Park skatepark immediately. Parks declines. SPS then requests permission from Parks to seek reconstruction itself. Parks agrees when SPS secures support from original skatepark founder, Portland Police Lieutenant Scott Winegar, St. Johns Neighborhood Association, and door-to-door support from neighbors adjacent to the skatepark. The Pier Park campaign begins.
Graphic designer and longtime Portland skateboarder Mark Conahan joins the SPS board.
Pier Park’s former skatepark was flawed and dysfunctional. It was replaced with a modernized design with the help of Skaters for Portland Skateparks, the St. John’s Neighborhood Association and Dreamland Skateparks.
2005
Portland Parks & Recreation completes its citywide analysis by adopting the SPS vision for comprehensive skatepark development citywide with 19 sites selected. City Council passes Parks’ plan, making it official.
Ordinance Number 179462, passed by City Council on August 3, 2005. Endorsed skatepark siting committee with recommendations to Portland Parks & Recreation, and encourage future development of skatepark facilities.
Fundraisers continue to support the Pier Park construction effort.
A few flyers from Skaters for Portland Skateparks’ first Pier Park fundraising events.
Construction begins on the new and improved Pier Park Skatepark.
The shape of things to come; top plate forms and framework begins to take shape for Pier Park’s unique skatepark.
Pier Park’s iconic pipe and 11 1/2 deep bowl nears completion and opening day.
Pier Park’s skatepark sits completed aside from its landscaping with opening day just around the corner.
2006
Glenhaven Park in Northeast Portland, is selected for Portland’s second publicly-supported skatepark. SPS board member Mark Conahan facilitates skatepark design development.
Pier Park’s rebuilt skatepark is completed, enjoying widespread acclaim.
Opening Day at Pier Park - October 14, 2006
Commissioner Dan Saltzman, impressed by the public enthusiasm for the Pier Park Skatepark proposes additional funding for two additional skateparks. Proposal is approved.
Construction begins with Glenhaven Skatepark.
Several street skating inspired features emerge at Glenhaven Skatepark under the design and construction of Dreamland Skateparks
Glenhaven Skatepark construction underway by Dreamland Skateparks
2007
Glenhaven Skatepark opens in NE Portland.
Ashley Anson grinds Glenhaven Skatepark’s peanut bowl during opening day festivities. - April 27, 2007
Following up on Earth Day, Friends of Pier Park coordinated with SOLV (Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism) to organize a graffiti abatement and litter pickup event at Pier Park’s Skatepark. Several of these organized SOLV-IT events followed in the months and years thereafter. These actions prove that skateboarders take responsibility to care for their skateparks and community.
Holly Farm Skate Spot opens in SW Portland. Portland Parks Foundation funds this skate facility as a part of the development of a new neighborhood park.
The Holly Farm Skate Spot during its opening week. Constructed by Dreamland Skateparks
Contract awarded for Gabriel Park Skatepark in SW Portland. Construction begins.
Air Speed Skateparks designed and constructed the skatepark at Gabriel Park. This photograph shows the halfway point of the build.
Contract awarded for Ed Benedict Skate Plaza in SE Portland.
2008
Gabriel Park Skatepark opens in Southwest Portland.
Once the fencing came down, Ben Krahn was amongst the first of Portland’s skateboarders to enjoy varied terrain of Gabriel Park’s skatepark.
Ed Benedict Skate Plaza under construction. Completed in the Fall.
Ed Benedict Skate Plaza construction underway by New Line Skateparks.
2009 - 2015
With the economic downturn in full swing, Portland Parks & Recreation offers that funding is no longer available for additional public skatepark projects within the Skatepark System Plan. Investment and momentum slows for the build up of the remaining 14 prospective skateparks. Portland skaters continue to enjoy the 5 wildly popular skateparks serving their communities daily.
Online flyer to promote SPS’ cleanup of Pier Park skatepark
Skaters for Portland Skateparks volunteer team care for their grounds with graffiti removal and clean up at Pier Park Skatepark. Photos by EarthPatrol Media
Ben Wixon’s Summer Skateboarding Camp at Glenhaven Skatepark has proven to be a successful program which supports kids in the community and provides them with the fundamentals of skateboarding as well as interactive social skills and self-esteem. Photos by Earth Patrol Media
Promotional flyers for a Portland Skate Rock Show Benefit at Plan B Venue and Fernhill Skatepark Fundraiser at Extracto Roasters
Flyer for Powell Street Skate Spot fundraiser at Hopworks Urban Brewery
SPS's Swap Meet Fundraiser for the Powell Street Skate Spot gathers attention and funds for Portland's Southeast skate zone.
2016
Swap Meet flyer for the Powell Street Skate Spot fundraiser
2017
Steel Bridge Skatepark Photo and Art Show Fundraiser at Lagunitas Brewery Community Room
SPS Photo & Art Show flyer for Steel Bridge Skatepark fundraiser
Swap Meet Fundraiser for the Powell Street Skate Spot
Video premiere of Unpredictable Travelers benefitting the Powell Street Skate Spot
Surroundings Video Premiere - SPS Fundraiser
2018
Boneless skateboard, photography and art show. A portion of the proceeds was donated to SPS.
2019
Team Shralp Presents the Disposable Youth Photo Show at See See Motor Coffee. 50% of sales go towards Skaters for Portland Skatepark’s Powell Street Skate Spot fundraising efforts.
