We need your support!
We are on a mission to build a free public skate and bike park in Bemidji, MN. The City has one-time money to spend, but wants proof skaters and bikers would use it. Please take a minute to answer these questions: (*Click on "Post a Comment" at the very bottom of the page to post your info.)
1. Name or username
2. City/Town
3. Why do you think Bemidji, MN needs a free skate/BMX park?
4. Tell us how often you might use the park. Or, if you don't skate or bike, would you go watch or hang out there?
5. Where do you skate or bike now?
6. Contact info (optional)
Check back often for updates, plans, design ideas, and user pics & vids, and pass this link along!
Watch your language on this site!
We need to be respectful and considerate of other people, and we certainly don't need to derail this project because of poor manners.
T-Shirt Graphic Selected! Congrats Chris Hudson...maybe we'll thank you by building a skatepark!
Kettering, OH
This is the plaza that re-ignited our campaign
Cusick, WA park
Small town (225 people) w/ nice park
183 comments:
Nate D (n8theks8)
* Almost every town in Oregon, Washington, California, Montana, Colorado...have free public skate parks. It's time Bemidji steps up and does something like Dike Park in Fargo, ND
* I would go all the time
* I currently skate in my garage with a couple bank ramps.
* dorrhandle@hotmail.com
I have visited the skate parks in Baudette and Park Rapids - both are better than anything Bemidji has ever had. However, Bemidji has the interest from its youth to take the concept to the next level with the "skate plaza" idea. Great job, everyone!
Bemidji's youth need and deserve a space to exercise by participating in their sport of choice. As a community, we provide facilities for sports such as hockey, baseball, and soccer, and we should provide facilities for skating and biking as well. In a rising tide of childhoos obesity, the community should make a concerted effort to provide opportunities for kids to recreate in their chosen activities.
*I don't skate anymore, but really wish Bemidji had provided a space to do it when I skated everyday.
*big_kountry77@hotmail.com
This is a great idea. I grew up in bemidji and there was never anything productive for us to do. As a kid I would have used this park daily. This is a healthy and FREE activity in bemidji. It will also help kids develop much needed social skills they will need in future endeavors. Good luck and you have my support.
1. Abby S.
2. currently live in Laguna Beach, CA; but grew up in Bemidji
3. Bemidji needs this park! Some kids choose to participate in the standard team sports, others choose to express themselves with skateboarding and biking. Give them a place to do that!
4. I would definitely take my boyfriend there when we visit Bemidji, he loves to skateboard and even has problems finding places to skate here in CA.
5. As I type, my boyfriend is skateboarding at a secret spot in town...
6. abby517@hotmail.com
1. Rich S.
2. Currently St. Cloud, MN but lived in Bemidji
3. Bemidji should get this park. Every town complains about kids in the street, this is an easy and productive way to solve the problem. I remember there being a huge skate community in Bemidji, and am surprised it hasn't happened yet.
4. I definetly would have used it for BMX when I lived there, we were relegated to making small wood ramps set up in our driveways and backyards.
Good luck all, make it happen!
1. john doe
2. Covington, Wa.
3. Kids these days are finding other resources to use for skateboarding/biking. Though it is illegal for them to use certain things or skate in certain areas, kids tend to get in more trouble. A boy out here was just killed from skateboarding last week ude to the fact that there isn't anything near enough for young kids to use to improve their skills of boarding or biking. With the construction of a skate park for them, would allow kids to be more interatcive with their sport and not get into trouble using other property that would otherwise get them into trouble.
4. I am too old to skate or bike, but I strongly encourage young kids to skate at a park that was there's to use. And sure, I probably wouldn't mind once in awhile checking out kids using the park.
5. I do neither.
6. ekarft@hotmail.com
Sam W.
Bemidji, MN
Bemidji has needed a skate park as long as I can remember!
Now that I am a parent, I have been driving my son and his friends to a park in Fargo. They have a blast! It would be a lot more convenient if there was one here in our home town.
Now that I am a taxpayer in Bemidji, I would be nice to actually SEE where all my money is going, and for MY kids to ulitlize it!
sjwarrington@charter.net
Riley lidel
I've lived in Bemidji all my life, but just current move to Missoula MT.
Bemidji really needs a skateparfk, cause of all the restriction skaters have to go through, and the closest good skatepark is in Fargo which is like 100 miles away.
But i think Bemidji needs a skatepark, and its a great idea!!!.
ryley_lidel@hotmail.com
Chris from St. Cloud
I think it woulf be a nice addition to bemidji, both for the skaters and the non-skaters. It would be a fun place to hang out and visit, and view the kids having fun.
Even the collage students need another place to hang out and do something other than go to the bars.
I am in full support of a place for kids to go that is free and designated for a skate park. I think the one in Fargi is awesome. Bemidji reall ydoes need something for kids to do. I have lived here for over 20 years and there has never been enough activities for youth.
-Mother of Four in Bemidji
Youth in Bemidji get harassed for doing what they like to do. With all of the problems that today’s youth have with child obesity and such it would be completely backwards to deny them their favorite form of exercise. We should be promoting their eagerness to be outdoors with a safe environment where they can have fun and get the necessary amount of outdoor activities that is necessary for our kids to grow up healthy. I think that asking why they should get a skate park is redundant, we should be asking why not. What could it possibly hurt, if you are worried about the culture that some perceive of skateboarders than just keep an eye on the place with regular patrols from police, they're out there anyway, put them to good use.
Jeremy Freborg
Golden Valley , MN
I think Bemidji needs to provide kids with more diverse options to keep them occupied and out of trouble. Skating is an outstanding way to do that. It promotes creativity, individuality, determintation, and more importantly gets them off the couch. Not to mention a good concrete park will draw people from the entire midwest if it is made correctly.
I skate as much as I can for an old guy around minneapolis and a little out of state.
I grew up in Bemidji and would love to use the park when I am home visiting family and fishing. Build it!
jfreborg@gmail.com
BUILD IT! I wish Bemidji would have stepped up to this idea a LONG TIME AGO! It would give kids a place to skate without being bothered by the police or business owners.....something we needed back in the day.
N.Jordan
Saint Paul, MN
1. Luke Hunt
2. Minneapolis / London, England
3. Evertown needs a free skatepark to support local youth. GIving young and old people a place to converge and partake in skateboarding.
4. 4 times a year.
5. all over minneapolis
6. londonluke55@hotmail.com
1. Heidi M.
2. San Diego, CA/Los Angeles, CA. Born & raised in Bemidji, MN.
3. Bemidji,MN definitely needs this skate park built. Kids will have a place to go and socialize, skate safely, & get exercise.Not to mention...it would keep them out of trouble with the cops around there. I'm gonna assume that their rules/laws are just as strict as they were when I lived there? Ie: no skating anywhere...pretty much? I think it's awesome & wish we had the skate park when I was growing up there. BUILD IT!
4. I'd use it everyday...but I'm pretty rusty now:)
5. I don't get to skate anymore.
6. hydro_indk@hotmail.com
Sam Tjader
Bemidji, MN
Bemidji needs a skate park. There has never been a legal place to skate for free. If done right it would create a great deal of positive change within the youth community. I've been kicking around the old wheelie board for 17 years and have witnessed many skaters give up due to frustration caused by lack of terrain and costly fines. If the city were to build a quality park designed by skateboarders, the tourism industry would also enjoy a rise in profit. Many people think only kids ride skateboards, but there are guys in their forties taking road trips to skateparks every day. I would be glad to help make this dream a reality in any way i can. Let's do this!
get everyone u know involved, always
the bourgeois who run this town need to know we need a park a.s.a.p.
1. Frannie Tjader
2. Bemidji, Minnesota
3. Bemidji has needed a skatepark for a long time. Since the Bemidji City Council is of the "Bemidji Must Grow" mindset right now, this would be a great time to get this done! We have supported a skatepark in Bemidji for at least 17 of the 20 years our family has lived here. Let's get this done NOW, Bemidji!
4. I would love to watch skaters at the park.
5. I don't skate or bike, but I am the mother of a skateboarder.
6. hftjader@hotmail.com
* Cameron
* Bemidji, MN
* Too many reasons to name, but my biggest problem is seeing many of my friends or just people I know get arrested, get their board taken away, or kicked out of places because they aren't supposed to skate there. We have nowhere in Bemidji to skate and way too many people who live for it, yet they have nowhere to do so. It's about time Bemidji gets their act together and does something.
* I "try" to skate sometimes and of course don't do too well. I can ride on it but I can't do any tricks really, but I would be able to practice stuff if we had a park and my friends were there to help me. I would go there every chance I get.
* I don't, but most people I know just skate in their garages or driveways, sidewalks, etc.
* camyoung17@hotmail.com
1. Bryan Dougherty
2. Bemidji, MN
Bemidji really has a problem for youth trying to find places to skate. The Drop Zone is shut down, "skate night" that was put on first at the Armory, then Lincoln School, then the church by the mall, is no longer occuring.
Bemigji needs a place for skateboarders, bikers, etc. to go.
There are no places to go in town. The college kicks you out, which granted you shouldn't skate there, but when there is nowhere in this town designated for skateboarders, and there being so many, where are they supposed to go?
Build a park. And it will be used every day.
Right now, I skate where just about everyone in Bemidji skates, in garages or around town getting booted from parking lots, stairs, loading docks. This place really needs a park to change the answer to that question.
skaterbob4_@hotmail.com
-- Teighlor A
-- Bemidji
-- Its a needed place for People to just go to and skate or bike or do whatever they're down to do. I'm pretty surprised Bemidji hasnt already built a skate park considering anywhere you look downtown there are people skating- or were people skating, until they were asked to leave by the owners of the business.
-- I dont skateboard but I know many people who do and I would definately go there to hang out with friends or maybe even try to learn how to skateboard since there would finally be an actual place to do it.
tay_tay56601@hotmail.com
1. Jamie James.
2. Baudette, MN.
3. There are so many
kids that need a place to
go and skate. So many kids
get in trouble for just
skating around there and it's
not like it's their fault.
They just want a place to
tear up, I know for sure it
would be used a lottt.
4. I skate about once or
twice every summer, but I
would definitely go there
and watch my friends tear it
up. I love to watch skateboarding
and I enjoy seeing other
people enjoy it.
5. I live in Baudette, and we
have a skate park...so here.
Some of my friends from Bemidji
have come up and skated here though.
6. sk8ergurlsrock_2010@Hotmail.com
1. Jenna S
2. laporte
3. cause it does! i don't skate, but i loove watching my friends do it. and i think kids in bemidji deserve a skate park.
4. i'd go watch/hang out all the time.
1. Jay Cash
2. Bemidji
3. I like many kids in this town grew up skating at their houses in a garage or something of the like. There were occasional times when someone would try put something together for those of us in town that did skateboard or bike or rollerblade or whatever. There was the drop zone, but that place was always crowded and cost money not to mention pads were a requirement.
There was the skate night the oak hills christian college was putting on at the armory for a while, but that also fell through after a short time. The last ditch effort was by the church next to k mart they let people skate there using the ramps and such but then that as well fell through because they had no one willing to help out. Bemidji needs this so our youth and future generations have a place to go be active with the activity that they choose. Some choose football, baseball, soccer, swimming or other such "team" sports they have their areas to practice. Why don't we have ours? Its about time this town quit shunning the youth who broke away from mainstream activities and start embracing the idea that everyone deserves the facilities to take part in what sport they choose.
4. Well being a sophomore in college now my time for skateboarding has decreased considerably but i would make it out there every chance that i could.
5. When i have time to i skate on the small slab of concrete at my house. It doesn't quite cut it.
6. E-mail: jayblethestablemaster@hotmail.com
Cell phone: 218 368 8986
*kelsi skime
*Bemidji
*it would create a place where young people in the area to hang out and give people something to do.
*yes. i would watch and hang out there. but eventually i would try to observe how to skate and attempt myself.
*well i haven't skated yet i would like to learn though.
*skimmey_04@hotmail.com
Bemidji needs to step up and make a commitment to their skating youth. Some Bemidji youth play baseball so they build and maintain a wonderful baseball complex. Other youth play soccer so they build a soccer complex. Bemidji is known as a hockey town so they build and maintain rinks for the youth that participate in hockey. What about the skating community? Isn't it time to show some support?
E. Metso
1. Chris Berseth
2. St. Paul (formerly Bemidji)
3. I think that there needs to be a safe, drug & alcohol free environment (I'm assuming there would be supervision) for youth and even college students to hang out at. A skate park would be perfect, since skateboarding is not allowed pretty much anywhere else in town.
4. I myself would not be able to go on a regular basis since I now live in the cities. However, when I visit I would definitely stop by to watch people skateboard (I think others would also). I think if you also provided some entertainment sometimes (rock bands, for instance), that would also draw in a lot of non-skateboarders.
5. I do not personally skateboard at all, but I think it's a really great hobby/profession that keeps many people away from drug & alcohol abuse.
6. chris.berseth@hotmail.com
*Nicole, St. Paul MN
I do not live in Bemidji but I have visited many communities where skateparks exist (including one in my neighborhood) and they are used A LOT by local kids. I think it is a great way to give kids in the neighborhood something to do and that is not disrupting area businesses and residents (like when kids skate and bike in parking lots, etc.)
If I were planning to move to a new community I would definitely consider skateparks along with other amenities to determine if it would be a good place for my family.
Kariann P
Kariann P
Bemidji MN/ Frisco CO
The youth need something to do in bemidji, it will keep us out of trouble instead of having to break the law to do what we love to do. There would not longer be problems with the BSU security tracking down skaters or the police getting complaints.
I would definately go to the park once or twice a week, and for sure stop by to watch whenever I'm driving by.
I'm not a big skater but now I go to the skate park in Frisco, there are 3 parks within 15 miles here. Its time Bemidji got it together.
A skatepark/youth hang out is the number one need of Bemidji youth need. I know that this project is far from even starting at this point, but I was just wondering what your tentative ideas are as to location.
Peace,
James M
Zane
Bemijdi, Minnesota.
If this park were to be open to the general public, then it would allow a huge demographic population that would have the opportunity to enjoy such an area. I myself do not skate, however, that does not hinder my reasoning in believing that such a skate area (or roller blading, or etc., whatever suits you best)would open the doors for business recognition and still keep the original concept in mind. What I mean is that any business that sponsors this would get a good amount of publicity if this plaza were to take off; giving one more reason for business owners to at least give their support for the construction.
Those who skate in this area are forced as if in hiding to do their skateboarding in someone's backyard or garage; merely because it is becoming harder for skaters to find any refuge without having to deal with the repercussions of the law that would follow as there are numerous restrictions and regulations enacted by the city of Bemidji. One could easily reduce the crime rate, even slightly, by having a skate park; since such "crimes" that the skaters are brandished with would cease to exist.
Bemidji, in itself, is a dull town, with boring prospects and hardly any spurs of life. It may be a great place to raise your kids, just don't expect them to do much for activities unless they enjoy school sports. Many activities in Bemidji require money to participate in; with the skate park, it would be free for all, allowing those who don't wish to spend their money frivolously to engage in a FREE physical activity of their choice.
Of course, with our Bemidji city representatives, they would expect positive results to be born from the creation of the skate area. Since our representatives associate skateboarding with the bad cliques in society, continuing to mark the skateboarder with numerous allegations in their mind's eye of the stereotype of a skateboarder: criminal, loathsome, drug addict, anarchy, etc. A few of our representatives would expect to see that drug and alcohol consumption amongst teenagers would decrease if this skate park were to be built; of course, a few others believe that it would RAISE the level of drug/alcohol consumption amongst teenagers. Two things are to be said about this. 1) As long as the police, who may or may not generally patrol the area where the skate plaza is to be built, then the skate plaza would become a alcohol/drug/violence free zone. And 2) A skate plaza may have the possibility of reducing the drug/alcohol problem that is generally associated with teenagers of this activity, but it is doubtful that the result would be significant enough in the city's representatives eyes. There are too many complications that arise when dealing with such issues, and a skate plaza would not alleviate such things that deal with debilitating addictions such as drugs/alcohol. HOWEVER,this plaza could very well help in reducing FUTURE teen levels of such afflictions. In conclusion, a skate park may not help so much who are already afflicted by drug/alcohol, but it definately could assist in lowering the level for future teenagers.
I personally do not believe the stereotypes linked with the skateboarders, as mentinoed above; but I know that some of our city's representatives might. But since we took care of that issue, let's press on. In Bemidji, there isn't a place where a group of teenagers can just go to "hang out" (I try to stay within the patois of Bemidji). This skate plaza opens many avenues, not only limited to skaters and bikers, but also for people who just wish to watch or be in close proximity with their friends, talking aimlessly about the day and of future events. As Chris said, it sounded promising to have possibly small bands play at the skate plaza, since our town is forking over large amounts of money for an event center, I believe that the town of Bemidji can at least grace Bemidji's youth with a skate plaza.
Then again, what would I know, I'm merely a BHS student voicing a concern for the betterment of Bemidji.
Adam Hernesman
This skate park will finally give the skateboarders in the town a reason not to skate on the property of all of the local businesses. Also I have seen a rise in skater population, and seeing how young kids are when they go in to Padersons looking to buy a skateboard. A nice skate park is exactly what these kids need.
My name is Joey Ahlquist. We really need this skatepark because there is no place in town that people are allowed to skate that has anything fun to skate. If we had a skatepark I would be there as often as I could.
1. Tim
2. Springfield, MN (heading to college in bemidji next fall)
3. We need more concrete in Minnesota
4. I would skate a free concrete park maybe 5 times a week
5. Springfield, New Ulm, Redwood, Mankato, or Spencer Iowa
6. thillesheim@gmail.com
terese elhard
minneapolis, mn. I GREW UP IN BEMIDJI [i was active in the Bemidji Skate & Bike Assoc. and the Bemidji Youth Advisory Commission]
every city needs a skatepark! and we have had a skatepark before!! skateboarding is flourishing in our (bemidji) community right now!
this park will attract more wonderful people and diversity to our town.
and what more reason do we need than that?!
EVERY DAY when i am home to visit (and i will visit more often for sure). my parents will love and support a skatepark project cause because of this!
3rd lair skatepark, golden valley, MN, Ollie & Co. ham lake, MN, Midtown, Duluth, MN and Superior, Wi. [Hood River, Sandy, Newberg, St. Johns/pier park, 82nd St., Portland, OREGON – all in the summertime]
terese_elhard@mcad.edu
please let me know what i can do to help! anything!
1. emily mara
2. minneapolis, minnesota.
3. because that way skaters stay off the sidewalks, and let's face it, every city needs a skate park. more tourism.
4. once every three years. mostly because i'm a klutz. i would watch and go to the park every so often.
5. again, two left feet. add wheels and it's a bad combo.
6. see blogger information.
My children are adults now, but when my daugther was younger, she and her friends skateboarded. Her maile friend skateboarded every chance they got. They tried to get a skateboard part here once before, but all they got was the one out at smart skate. I have been to other cities and have seen some really nice skateboard parks and they are free to the public. I feel that we need to show our children that we care and help them get a skateboard park in Bemidji. Most of the kids skateboarding in town are good kids, they have got a label as being bad, because they have no place to skateboard. Give them a place to skateboard, I think you will see the diferent. A lot of these kids are very talented on a board. Take the time to watch them skate once in a while.
1. anonymous
2. Bemidji
3. I think bemidji needs a skate park because over half the kids in this town skate/ bmx. its safer then having kids out in the streets skating. A skate park would be a good way for kids to exersize doing somthing they ejoy. its somthing almost the whole town of bemidji and even more could enjoy I also think it is very sad that smaller towns than bemidji have awesome skate parks
4. i dont personaly skate but i would go there all the time. and there is always a time to learn. but i know some friends that skate and they would be there all the time FOR SURE
5. most kids skate were it is illeagal to skate so a park would help that
6. Contact info (optional)
ha ha im charles
i live in bemidji
wee need a skatepark because, then i would have somewhere to hangout other than...well, at home
i woulg go everyday
PLEEEEAAAASSSEEE MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Leo A.
Bemidji, MN
Growing up in Bemidji skateboarding was a lot of fun but it got harder and harder every year to do it without fear of somebody calling the police on you. I can't imagine kids playing baseball or football in some field having to worry about the police.
Now that I am older and teach over 430 kids every week of the school year I hear more talk about skateboarding then I do baseball or football. More youths in this country skateboard then play organized sports.
Skateboarding is something that EVERYBODY at any age can get involved in and no matter what your skill level you can't be cut from the team. Bemidji has a LOT of skaters who have to sit back for too long and I would be more then happy to help in any way possible to make this park happen.
Courtney R.
Bemidji,MN
A skate park in Bemidji would keep the kids that get in trouble for skating in places that don't allow it, out of trouble and would also be an attraction in bemidji that many people would go to.
I snowboard and bike, and there is no places to go to have fun with my bike so this would be so much fun for me and my friends to use.
I usually try to make jumps at my house and it never ends up working and so there are really no places in bemidji to ride.
This bemidji skate park would bring something very benefitful to bemidji, MN.
Taylor
Bemidji
I think a skate park is a great idea. Some of my friends skateboard and are always complaining because they dont have a place to go.
I would go just to watch other people and hang out with friends.
1. Josh
2. Bemidji
3. Bemidji like really needs a skate park. I am so sick of having no where to skate!! I just want to have somewhere I can go without getting in trouble for skating there.
4. I would for sure go everyday all day long.
1. Andi
2. bemidji
3. because it will help getting people out of the house and out of trouble skating around town.and jsut generally fun for everyone
4. i would go all the time, its always fun to watch people skate and just hang out with friends
5. my house haha
1. Meghan
2.Bemidji,MN
3.I think that there are many reasons that Bemidji needs a skate park, but one of the number one reasons is because im sick of seeing all my friends getting turned away from what they love to do. the cops take their boards away, or make them pay fines. Its a waste of money for teenagers to pay the cops for something they enjoy.
4. i would for SURE go there and watch friends, and maybe attempt skating myself.
1. Name or username
Tommy Berube
2. City/Town
Bemidji
3. Why do you think Bemidji, MN needs a free skate/BMX park?
Because there is no skate parks close to bemidji
4. Tell us how often you might use the park. Or, if you don't skate or bike, would you go watch or hang out there?
I would always go there to skate
5. Where do you skate or bike now?
at the church by k-mart
6. Contact info (optional)
tommy_berube10@hotmail.com
Bemidji NEEDS a place to skate. Kids are constantly skating and gettign in trouble because they have no where to skate. Skaters are boarding any place they can, whether its abandoned stair cases,ramps and rails put in parking lots or streets, they take what they can get.
Skaters are just trying to do an acitvity they love, it's not like they are out committing felonies! They just want to skate and are getting in trouble for it! If we get a skate park in Bemidji, they will have a safe, much better, efficient, fun, and exciting place to skate.
If Bemidji got a skate park, not only would the residents use it, but also residents from surrounding towns and areas as well. People will come from miles and miles away to skate. Skaters in Bemidji are currently traveling to Fargo, Wisconson, Sauk Rapids, Minneapolis, just to skate for a day, and they drive down almost everyday every weekend!
Nate Wisehart
Duluth,MN born and raised in Bemidji.
I was part of the first push for a skate park in Bemidji in the mid 90's and we thought that we had finally achieved our goal when the park at Smart Skate opened. We all realized after a couple of years that was not the case. What Bemidji needs is a free public skate park. I have done a good amount of traveling around northern Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin for work and there are free public parks scattered all over the place in towns with no more than 2000 total population. Why not Bemidji?
I would use the park when I am in Bemidji.
nwisehart@yahoo.com
I am a mom of three and support public money to be spent on a skate park.
1. The kids need a safe and legal place to skateboard.
2. It is pretty sad when other smaller towns in MN provide this for kids and our town neglects to do so.
4. It is a sport, just as hockey and baseball is, lets give it equal attention.
5. Sections of a new park can be devoted to younger and older kids seperately so as to provide a safe environment for both.
6. It will promote healthy kids by getting them outdoors and exercising.
1. anonymous
2. City/Town
bemidji, mn
3. Why do you think Bemidji, MN needs a free skate/BMX park?
because i would use it all the time, and kids NEED somewhere to skate sides the streets (:
4. Tell us how often you might use the park. Or, if you don't skate or bike, would you go watch or hang out there?
all the time i would be there.
5. Where do you skate or bike now?
weird places, anywhere i guess.
6. Contact info (optional)
im Taylor i live in bemididji and i always get in trouble for skating were i shouldnt be skating i think a skatepark in bemidji would be a great idea and i woudl skate there all the time Taylor Burns
im kelsey my big brother skatboards hes realy good he says theres not any good places to skate in bemidji i think making a skatepark would make ppl more heatlthy and keep them out of trouble
Hey we need a park, we always get kicked out of places. we need somewhere to skate anytime we want.
then people wouldnt have to worry about having to kick us out, ya know?
We are on a mission to build a free public skate and bike park in Bemidji, MN. The City has one-time money to spend, but wants proof skaters and bikers would use it. Please take a minute to answer these questions: (*Click on "Post a Comment" at the very bottom of the page to post your info.)
1. bob
2. bemidji
3. theres nowhere else to skate
4. everyday
5. businesses, and get in trouble
1. Vanna
2. Bemidji,MN
3.Because they took the other one away and they always have to skate somewhere other then a skatepark.
4.Well I would probably go there alot err, not because i dont skate but i have like A lottt of friends that do skate. And it would be a benifet to them
5. I bike on the roadd :)
6. Contact info (optional)
we neeeeeeeddddddddd aaaaaaaaaaaaaa pppppppppaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrkkkkkkkkkkkk
Austin F.
there is like 15 skateparks in las vegas its not fair that only big citys get skate park only if it is a quarter pipes and and kickers and a rails its still better than nothing
*i would skate when im up in bemidji everyday
*i skate in front of my housse and in my garage
vsfreddy@gmail.com
Ryan B.
Bemidji MN
I think we really need this we have alot of skaters i am some what i am trying to git better this would be a good place to git better i have a alot of friends who would love this because we hate that we have to use crap around town then git yelled at for skateing there we need this unless we want to just be stuck on the streets and noobs its easier there and bemidji is giting bigger we have more ppl and skateing is giting in so thats what i think and i guess i just skate anywere i can.
this is awesome guys.
ryanman_2@hotmail.com
1.tyler norby.
2.bemidji
3.bemidji NEEDS a skatepark because we cant go anywere without being harrast and our boards takken away and my freind went to juvie for it and crap and we have to pay like big fines for nothing and go to court plus like every town has a skatepark even the small towns around us its dum that we dont get one. but we get a HUGE new police office build and liek other stuff that noone cares about.
4. id use to everyday of my life and id be there all day.is like PEE my pants if we got a park
5.anywere until we get kicked out or yelled at or the cops come.
6.norby_is_cool@hotmail.com
1.andy burube
2. bemidji
3. i think bemidji should have a skatepark because all my freinds skate and they realy need someplace to skate and not get yelled at by stupid cops and stuff...
4. i would hang out there all the time. i think ti would be cool
5.i hangout where my freinds skate.
6. berube_boy2011@hotmail.com
1. manly mcdermott
2.bemidji
3. cause kids always getin trouble for skating were they shouldnt and get there boards taken and then they gotta go to court and its to much drama
4. ALL THE TIME!!
5. anywere i can. (wich is nowere)
manly_da_pothead@hotmail.com
1. marlyn
2. bemidji
3. my son loves to skatebaord and there nowere for him to do it and it would be nice for him and all his freinds to have a skate plaza to skate at and then i dont have to worry about the cops and stuff.
4. id go and watch him skateboard.
6. 218-444-3438
1. Brandon-bird
2. Bemidji
3. we need a park becouse lets face it bemidji is a terrible skateboarding town. wehave a number of skaters that outnumber other places that have a better park then weve ever had.
4. id use this park almost everday of the week. itd be a great thing to have.
5. right now i skate either in my garage or at a church we have here.
As a mom of a skateboarder, I say please build this park. We have bike trails, snowmobile trails, basketball, tennise courts, hockey rinks, you get my point. Skateboarding is a legitiment sport. It will be in the Olympics some day.
I do ask skateboarders to please be respectful of other peoples property. I realize there isn't a decent place to skate right now but breaking the law and being disrespectful to others is what is hurting the reputation of skateboarders.
My son does well in school and is a Boy Scout. Skateboarding is enjoyed by many.
1) blukattt
2) Bemidji
3) As the assistant manager of Outerworld (which is the only skate supply shop in Bemidji), I see the good majority of Bemidji skaters, as well as outlying areas. I can't even begin to count how many times I've heard people complain about the lack of a skate park in a town this size. The city is willing to build a $50 million event center in a town this size, why not something for the younger crowd? They talk about the event center being able to draw in revenue and visitors, a skate park would do the same thing. Already, many skaters in Bemidji are taking long road trips to Fargo, etc. and spending their money in another town.
Another good point: if people are worried about their kids getting into trouble, they would be able to rest easier if they knew they were skating at a park, rather than partying, vandalizing, etc. This town has absolutely nothing to offer to the younger generation in the way of entertainment, other than an arcade.
4) Personally, I do not skate, but as I've stated previously, I work at Outerworld and know many of the skaters in town, and I'm pretty sure that they are all for a skate park being built.
5) See #4
6) Outerworld; Bemidji, MN
http://gomi.outerworldadult.com
Chris H.
Bemidji, MN
I love, doing tricks on bike and skateboard and knowing there is not a skate park no longer here in bemidji I think it would be great to have a new skate park. great for everyone!!!!!!!
Just a Dad,
Our family has lived many places, all over North America. One common theme we see are kids need "things" to keep out of trouble. Sports, Hobbies, Friends, Clubs, anything works. Skating is very popular, its a major X-game event. Skate boarding and the trick biking that these kids could do at a good skate park would keep there minds occupied. Spend our Tax dollars on something that really makes sense. Make it good, make it modern, get ideas from the kids about what they would like to have, not some old fart adult that has not a clue what would be fun and challenging. Keep these kids out of trouble. We do not want them on sidwalks, streets, or in front of stores. One more thing just do it, don't debate the crap out of this and ten years from now it could,maybe get built. I pay taxes, this is worth it.
1. Name or username
?????
2. City/Town
Bemidji MN
3. Why do you think Bemidji, MN needs a free skate/BMX park?
Because we need somewhere to skate and it would be great to have an actual park
4. Tell us how often you might use the park. Or, if you don't skate or bike, would you go watch or hang out there?
ALOT!
5. Where do you skate or bike now?
The church by The mall
6. Contact info (optional)
i think bemidji needs a skatepark. theres so many ppl that skate but no where to skate! Where ever u go u get yelled at or kicked out and those places even suck. if we got a park it would help the places we skate at now so they dont have to yell at us and its a place to skate all the time and to hang out. and it would be awesome to actually have stuff to skate on. please get a skate park. we need it!!!!
im darren i think bemidji absolutely needs a skatepark so kids kepp out of trouble
im donnie i think we need a skate because so we could get better at skating and so we could have a place to skate with out getting screamed at. and maybe pro's will come to the skate park!
bemidji needs a skate park really bad to many kids are getting into trouble trying to skate on the bsu proptry and downtown i skate manly at the church by the mall and where ever i can find but i would use the park every day and plus it will give something for us to do besides hanging out by the mall all the time and get us out of trouble
I think we need a skatepark in Bemidji, cause the skateboarding population is getting larger in this city!
My boyfriend skateboards and i support it!
- Tim Hodapp
-Bemidji, MN
- i rarely skate anymore because there is know where to do it accecpt in our own garages and driveways. a skate ark in bemidji would be a great addition for the youth. but also for the business' that are currently having a problem with skateboarding. this would provide a place where it is legal and would keep the business' happy because people would have a place to go
- i would go quite offten
Nick Jones aka Black Cloud used to be associated with Low Budget Productions. I have been skating for years and i've always loved it, but there isn't any good places to skate. There is a few places to skate in town, but then you run the risk of getting in trouble with the police due to the skateboarding ordinance. I myself have had on more than occasion had run ins with officers, property owners and the list just goes on and on. I have been to skateparks in Park Rapids and the Twin Cities. Heck smaller towns than bemidji have skate parks better than bemidji i mean towns that can barely afford to run there own gas station and they have skateparks. i dont know if its me, but bemidji doesnt seem to respect us skaters i mean yea we cause hundreds of dollars of property damage and people keep complaining about us skating there, but were just doing what makes us happy and keeps us happy. Would you rather us being out there doing drugs then push towards the dream of the video shot in a company video. I'll let you decide. If bemidji decides to build this skate park i'm all for it i would skate there everytime i go out to skate. If it keeps me out of trouble with the law and property owners around bemidji. This skate park would be a greatest thing for us skaters,bladers,and pedalers.
I recently left Bemidji because there was nothing to do. All of my friends who still live there are getting into all sorts of trouble with the law and drugs and what have you because there is nothing to do. After school and on Saturdays we literally had the choice between Burger King and the Paul Bunyan Mall. Which get extremely old after you been doing it for four years. Bemidji's youth need something new, fun, and healthy to do.
p.s. I once heard a teacher that worked at my old high school say 'Wouldn't it be nice to have K9 units all over Bemidji to bust all the people who do drugs?' After I finished laughing, I outright said to her that all those 'people' are Bemidji's youth, and the money spent on those K9 units could have been spent on giving the kids something to do so that they wouldn't turn to drugs. Got any ideas?
I as a parent can see the need for a skate/bike/blade park. I live in Nymore and have seen the kids use what used to be the old Lincoln school parking lot as their park when the church used to allow them. I have a view from my window and my girls used to go there. It was popular and well used. And this is only in 1 neighborhood. can we as a community help not only the well to do but those with limited funds? I am willing to volunteer. a cuople days a week. Ann Aitkin
Every town around has a baseball,basketball,tennis(you get the point)court. Although a cement skatepark is a bit more expensive, there should be a park in that town. I've driven all the way to Winnepeg to skate. If you build it,they will come. Just make sure someone who knows what the heck they're doing builds it. I've seen way too many so.so parks that dudes that don't skate have built.
peace!! A-plus St. Paul MN
Leif
Puposky
I would use the skate park a lot!
Hopefully, it gets open soon.
Garrison
Bemidji
I would love to have a place to go skateboarding other than my driveway. I would go as much as I could.
I hope it has a half pipe!
As a mom of a kid who loves to skateboard, I would love to see a skatepark for our kids. I understand that there are certain stigmas surrounding the type of kids that are drawn to skateboarding, but the majority just love the sport! Our kids need a place to go to do something postive.
We can all work as a community to support this effort and give these kids a great outlet.
I do not skate- have tried but just don't have the balance for it. I am supportive of Bemidji getting a skate park. My brother skates and I am very supportive of his favorite activity. I currently reside in Bemidji, but i use to live in Hermantown. Hermantown has a community skate park that is small compared to twin cities are parks, but the community supports it and uses it daily. It's very important for the area youth to understand that if and when BEmidji gets a park, they need to respect it and take care of it. they need to show the community this so more skate friendly areas can be established in the area. I encourage you all to check out the Hermantown skate park- near Duluth, MN- and find out what the community did to get their park established.
1. jim james
3.i think bemidji need a skate park beacause kids have no were to skate
and the cops never stop messing with all the kids for skating places its so stupid.
4. all the time
5.were we can on the streets drive ways
1. steve harris
2. bemidji
3.we need places to skate without getting yelled at and in trouble with the cops.
4.everyday!
5 drive ways streets and were we can until we get kicked out.
1.dillon neeland
2.bemidji
3. cus the cops yell at us and i dont liek cops and we need somnwere to skate
4. all the time
5. streets
1.harry
2.bemidji
3.we have nowere to skate
4. all the time
5.anywere we can
1.jimmy
2.bemdji
3.kids never have anywere to skate
4. all the time and watch the cool skaters..
5.streets
I have visited the skate parks in Baudette and Park Rapids both are WAY better than anything Bemidji has ever had. so we RELY need to get one cus it would be pretty sweet.
brandon frazier
bemidji really needs a skate park cus were getting kicked out of everywhere else
all my freinds do drugs and i dont but its like whatver so i go skate it would be nice for there to be a skate park here
1. Name or username
markus
2. City/Town
Bemidji
3. Why do you think Bemidji, MN needs a free skate/BMX park?
cuz we dont have any where to skate
4. Tell us how often you might use the park. Or, if you don't skate or bike, would you go watch or hang out there?
all the time i can go
5. Where do you skate or bike now?
The church
6. Contact info (optional)
1. Cheri Stout
2. Puposky, MN
3. Why do you think Bemidji, MN needs a free skate/BMX park?
Bemidji needs a skate park because our kids have nowhere to go. Kids are out there drinking, doing drugs and other things because they don't have a good constructive place to go. Right now there is nothing that is not school related and kids are now getting fined for what we all used to do when we were younger. This is necessary! Instead of people in the city complaining about youth in this town, we need to come together and provide them a safe place to do something worthwhile that is very healthy!
4. Tell us how often you might use the park. Or, if you don't skate or bike, would you go watch or hang out there?
I would bring my kid there every day. I would be happy to see it filled with kids everyday and I think we would get a great response. I personally thought about buying land and building a place but location is a problem so I am happy to finally see others doing this.
5. Where do you skate or bike now?
Now, we have a chipboard platform in our yard to keep our kid off the street and provide him a place to go to practice a sport he dearly loves.
It is time for Bemidji to step up to the plate and build a community arena of this nature for kids of all ages to be able to go and practice skating, inline or biking. It should be indoor so it can be used year round. I would be interested in helping with fund raising or anything else needed. I believe in this cause.
6. Contact info (optional)
Cheri Stout
218-556-1276
As a non-skater, and a non-parent, I have a different view than most. Bemidji needs to spend more time, effort, and money towards projects such as this to keep the young adults of Bemidji interested in something other than crime, drinking, or other wasteful acts that we see from some of today's youth. In my 28 years, I have seen skating transform from something that was a bit of a counter-culture into a full fledged sport that garners respect from our media and the gerneral public. In case the elders of Bemidji city counsel (and others involved in making this decision) haven't watched the X-games lately, I suggest you do so. Then, help these kids excel a SPORT they want to do. If that is skating, then let's create a safe place for them to practice. Hey kids - let's see a frontside 180 kickflip, or some other crazy trick!
kc
1. Andrew M
2. Brookings
3. Since it is illegal to skateboard or rollerblade anywhere on campus, we need a place to go to fulfill our needs. It would be nice to be an active skateboarder in this town.
4. 24/7
5. In my dorm room.
I spend most of my summer in blackduck and end up skating in the legion parking lot because there is nothing to skate up there. I always went to the old park when it was there. Bemidji needs a new park.
Jordy R.
Bemidji, MN
Bemidji needs a park so that the kids who like to skate have a place, rather than outside churches or anywhere else for that matter and get into some kind of trouble with the police.
Some of my friends enjoy skating so i am sure that i would go there to watch them/drop them off..
I currently bike/rollerblade on the state park trails.
GOOD LUCK!
I'm 21, I've lived in Bemidji most my life. I've been pushing wood for a good 7 or 8 years now. As long as I can remember, there's been talk of building a skatepark. It is LONG overdue.
A public skatepark would benefit Bemidji in dozens of ways. People would travel miles to use the park. Skateboarders would have a safe, legal place for their activity, free of pedestrians and traffic. It's a very healthy activity for kids, and not just physically!
There are several smaller towns and cities with skateparks, yet Bemidji lags behind. Bemidji's skateboarding youth are left to build ramps for themselves and skate their garages, travel to skate other cities, or skate downtown, risking fines and other legal penalties.
There are empty tennis and basketball courts all over this city. A public skatepark would be in use at all open hours of the day, every single day. I GUARANTEE it. Build the park. You'll have skateboarders lining up to volunteer help.
-MRskate218@hotmail.com
Sean M., Bemidji, MN
Bemidji needs a skate park because there is a growing population of athletes not being served by other sports opportunities. There are over 300 kids skating, and no where to do it.
If Bemidji had a skate park, I would use it every day after school.
Right now I only skateboard in my driveway because I don't want to get in trouble skating around town. Skaters have a bad rap--but we're not all bad kids. It doesn't seem fair that a few bad kids have created a bad reputation for all of us who skate, forcing us to use our homemade ramps in our driveway.
murphytd@paulbunyan.net
Support Mom said...
I have had up to 15 boys in front of my house, skateboarding. They use rails, they had a wooden box they put together. I even had a cop stop to watch for almost 20 minutes while on duty and he actually try out the rail. Ten minutes later I had another cop come & tell the boys they had to get their stuff off of the street because it was against city rules. We never new there were so many NO's in this town until Skateboarding came along. Alot of boys and even some girls use skateboards for transporation to work and back{cheap on gas}. They aren't allow downtown, near the waterfront, by BSU,(YOU CAN'T EVEN SKATEBOARD ON THE STREET NEXT TO THE COLLEGE) around the neighbors,therealways is some rule or excuse why they shouldn't skateboard. You name it, it's against the rule.
Being a mom of a skateboarder I'd rather have my son skateboarding infront of my house instead of my son "DRINKING, DOING DRUGS, SMOKING, STEALING, CAUSING TROUBLE." At least I know where my son is & the other parents knows where there children are. The ones of you that are agaisnt are skateboarders, take time and watch them, they are "SUPER".
BEMIDJI WAKE-UP AND GIVE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE SOMEWHERE TO GO AND ENJOY WHAT THEY LOVE TO DO, maybe not so many would be breaking all your rules.
ALSO IT WOULD BE NICE IF THE YOUNG ADULTS KNEW ABOUT THE RULES OF SKATEBOARDING IN BEMIDJI, instead of being arrested & beind handed the rules after you break one. Not to many young children understand all those rules. So maybe someone could read the rules at all schools before school ends in the spring gradeschool through college. Then our skateboarders would know the rules. Also think about it if they had there own area to skate the City of Bemidji & the residents of Bemidji could stop there complaining about are
skateboarders NOISE.
I am proud to see our skateboarders stand up to are city council, you have my vote..
Also everyone is so scare they are going to be sued over an injury. I have seen a broken ankle& an arm. Many sprains and bruises. They have been in front of my house, in front of the waterfront, in front of the old auditoruim on 15th street, behind The Index, other places downtown, "HAVE YOU BEEN SUED, PROBABLY NOT..
ARE SKATEBOARDERS DON'T TURN THE BLAME ON ANYONE, BUT THEMSELVES'
THEY GET HURT IT'S THERE PROBLEM & THE PARENTS NO-ONE ELSES. THERE NOT THINKING OF SUING, THERE THINKING HOW LONG UNTIL THEY CAN GET BACK ON THERE SKATEBOARD...
THEY ARE GOOD KIDS, GIVE THEM A CHANCE IN BEMIDJI WITH A NEW SKATEPARK........PLEASE
Bemidji Needs this park. Several smaller communities in the area have skate parks that far surpass anything Bemidji has to offer. (Baudette, Kelhier, Park Rapids) I am a former skater and bmx racer and know the importance of finding a constructive place to ride. It seems as though the City likes to restrict the places to ride without providing an alternative. A skate park allows the City to manage such activity in one area, this will allow law enforcement to ocassionally check one primary site rather than trying to regulate skating and biking across the entire City. Skatboarding is not going anywhere infact the movememt is only gaining strength, we can either embrace the ineveitable or continue on in the same direction. A skate park would also allow for the opportunity to host skate jams and other events which foster community envolvement across the region. COME ON! THERE IS A SKATEPARK IN BAUDETTE!!! MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!
My Name is a major part of how i skate. I have to go around town, shifting my spot whenever security says "HEY! YOU! KID! WITH THE FACE! YEA YOU! LEAVE! YEA, LEAVE! NOW!!!" Fun? no. Even that i get to do rarely. Also, My skill is very small in comparison to my years skating (3). This, in part, is because i have met very few skater peeps (people, for those not intimate with hip Lingo). Why is that a problem? Motivation, of course! When skating with at least one other person, your motivation and drive shoots wayyyy wayyy up. That doesnt happen to me. so, in a nutshell, here are my reasons i need this plaza.
* To get a greater and wider range of skatable/bikable terrain.
* To meet and become more social with people who enjoy skateboarding as much as i
*To skate in a more free and untrouble-making environment.
* and, because my skate area is very...very...very..small...
andrew s
bemidji mn
i think that bemidji should have a skate park because
1. gives the kids who skate at home and around town a place to skate in one common location
2 its a place to hang out with friends and just have fun
3 gives a place to skate for all the kids how dont have anything at home to use
4 is a designated place to skate so the cops wont say "you cant skate here"
i skate at home currently but i would want a place to actually skate
I am Cammie Vogel, a current resident of Bemidji and the parent of a skateboarder. I feel it is an avenue for him to feel physically challenged and he enjoys the social aspect as well. I'd much rather have him 'boarding than sitting in front of a video game.
We, too, have visited other towns with skate parks. Grand Rapids has a small one and we found a HUGE one in Superior. It was incredible how many people of all ages were using the Superior park. Some people came just to watch. I really don't see why Bemidji, with it's known skater population, can't provide a free park when these other towns can.
Someone earlier mentioned basketball courts and tennis courts that go unused. What about all the swings, slides and sandboxes! I believe a skate park would be used every weather permitting day. The idea of having an indoor park is a great idea. We would have many traveling our way if we had something like that! Just read through the posts and see how many from our area travel elsewhere to skate. That should give you an idea of how many people we'd get to come here!
I visit with the skateboarders sometimes so I can get to know the kids my son hangs out with. I notice the older, or should I say, "better" or seasoned skaters have almost a mentor kind of relationship to the newer/younger ones. I believe this could help our youth through some of these hard years. They also don't seem to mind me around which tells me they don't have anything to hide. Their focus really is on the activity. That's it. Let's give them a place where it's OK to do their thing!
Someone else also mentioned they are good. We have a lot of good skaters and they have gotten that way without the support of the community. Imagine where they could go WITH some support.
I think involving the youth in the design and possibly even the building of such a park would give them more pride in this project and they would be more likely to keep it a nice looking place.
Why SHOULDN'T we build them a park? If injury is the reason to hesitate, why is it any different than those empty swings and slides that toddlers could get hurt on at any minute as well. I would think the private property owners with kids trying to use their "nine stair" in back, etc would really appreciate somewhere else for them to hang out!
Build a park. Do it now. Do it nice! Our kids deserve it. They really don't have much to do in this town!
bemidji really needs a skate park because theres like 5 hocky rinks in town and its not even fair cus hockeys dum
After all the years of skateboarders being treated like criminals in Bemidji, I think it's time we did something that is positive for them and build that skateboard(rollerblade, bike)plaza! I've been defending this sport for over five years.(And I know many other parents feel isolated with their own stories of Bemidji's nonsupport) All these kids get is cursing (you think kids are disrespectful? You should hear some of our business owners and leaders swear at and threaten these young people!),police warnings (even skateboards confiscated), and downright harassement. They are constantly being accussed of vandalism, loitering,trespassing, etc. Just when is Bemidji going to take 'ownership' of this large percentage of our youth? Lets quit treating them like criminals and acknowledge that the sport is here to stay. We have team sport facilities all over the place and are spending mega $$$$ on our parks. I support those places, but not when we ignore or surpress other needs.
We spend many weekends out of Bemidji taking my son and his friends to towns that have these facilities. (Which of course means our money is spent there also!)
Worried about bad language, alcholol, drugs, etc.? If this facility is located in a centralized, highly visable area, it would take away the secrecey that breds this kind of behavior. Lets get it right out in the open where spectators, parents, and passerby's can enjoy this sport. It's great to watch!! One luxury might be to locate it right next to the lake. It's a very 'hot' sport and a dip in the lake after some grueling exercise would be a great perk. Please add some risers so people can enjoy just watching. If parents had a place to sit and watch their child (and others), it would encourage a network of parents that could parent more effectively.
We have some great local skaters. Some of our young men just won top honors in a Duluth competition.
If Bemidji is truly family friendly, lets get on the stick and get this built before many of our young people loose out on the chance to see that Bemidji does care about them.
It might even encourage another business in Bemidji. We need a skateboard shop. (One that doesn't also sell so many questionable, adult items).
I suggest another City motto: Healthy Kids? Let's Roll!
Let parents know how we can help make this happen. We're behind you!
Kathy D
There is not much to do here and if we had a positive thing like this happen not only would it give us more to do everyone of all ages but it would show the youth of Bemidji that we can make things like this happen that our opion is important and will be heard.
I would go there all the time
At my friends house on his mini ramp
folkling@hotmail.com
David D
So people don't get mad at skaters on the street or putting themselves in danger like getting hit by cars
I would go there all the time to skate and hang out with my friends
next door with my friends
1)parksupporter
2)Bemidji
3)Bemidji needs a skate park for several reasons. Because of the fear of an individual hurting themselves, most if not all business owners have banned skateboarding from their premises. I work at an establishment that has had to kick off dozens of skateboarders. Most of these kids are respectful of the rules and are commiting only one crime... skateboarding on banned property. The biggest complaint I hear from the boarders is, "Where can we skate?". If these otherwise innocent kids had a place to skate police, security and business owners could feel at ease knowing skateboarders will not be interupting business, dodging cars and other pedestrian and taking up valuable resources which could be spent on more important issues.
4)I am not a skateboarder but I do partake in other alternative sports for which property to do the sport is provided.
Nick Hudson
I skateboard with my friends alot
Nick Hudson
I skateboard with my friends alot
all the time
where I wont get kicked out
hudson_skate55@hotmail.com
Bemidji most DEFINATELY needs a skate park. It would decrease crime on our streets by giving these kids a place to go. I live in Bemidji and would use the facility as often as I possibly can!
As a parent of a skater, I would like to see that the kids have a place to go so that they don't feel like they are doing something wrong by skating. We have done some small rails and ramps in the backyard and the neighborhood kids and their friends have some fun on them but they still don't have the same support and validation of other athletes who have sports parks in town. I am glad to see the youth trying to keep this going. After all, I want my kids to grow up to be assertive and responsible.
Bemidji has facilities for every other sport: why not Skateboarding? As a professor at BSU, I read the security report and see listed among the real problems --such as theft, assault, and under-age drinking--"Skateboarders apprehended for skating on university sidewalks." This speaks volumes about the need for a Skate Park in Bemidji: skateboarding is not a crime, but a healthy, outdoor, individual sport. A similar sport is cross-country skiing: if Bemidji did not have Cross Country Ski Trails, then the BSU security report may have read: " Cross country skiiers lapprehended for skiing on unversity lawns."
Bemidji currently has: public places designated for skiing, biking, baseball, football, soccer,ice skating, hockey, tennis, target shooting etc .
Isn't it time for the City Council to support the healthy interest of many Bemidji youth in the sport of Skateboarding ?
My son (middle school) and his friends skateboard on our patio, their driveways, in garages, and on public sidewalks and roads. It is a healthy activity, much preferred to sitting immobilized in front of a screen playing digital games for hours on end.
They spend hours researching new tricks, and then days and months learning to execute these!
When I was in a city (unnamed) recently, I was pleased to see a beautiful Skateboard Park set into the center of the downtown area, near a lake (such as where we used to have the Amusement Park down by Paul and Babe). There were seats for parents and friends to observe, and a gathering area where the Skaters could socialize and get to know one another. The actual Skate Park was centered so that everyone had a nice view of the lake and the trees. I noted how much its location and structure reminded me of a college football field or tennis courts. This is what I envision for Bemidji.
By including the Park in the center of town, visible and recognized, the area is culturally validated and supported. Youth who may never meet or talk with each other with have a new opportunity to connect. The Skaters and friends and families will be able to form a community like the Hockey players and friends and families do.
My son and his friends (who are all "A" and "B" students, active in other activities as well) get together to skate 2 0r 3 times a week. Speaking as a parent, I would prefer that my son and his friends gather at the Skate Plaza than ride around in some other kid's car or hang around the Paul Bunyan Mall (not to mention the sitting at home watching TV or gaming for hours.
Bravo for the Youth Advisory Commission in highlighting this idea! I hope that City Council supports this idea. What better investment than meeting this youth group's needs for a Skate Plaza! If we need to help raise matching funds, then let us know.
Carol
manly mcdermott
i used to live in bemidji but i moved to crosby...
we have a samll comunity here and we have a skate park
bemidji needs one realy bad bemidji has like
3 times the population of crosby
i would skate there every day
all day when i come up for the summer
bemidji youth finaly has sumthing good to do and if you bulid the skate park the kids in bemidji wont smoke weed and drink cause when i started skateing here at the skate park i quit and im 2 weeks sober but yeah it will keep the youth from smoking and drinking
and the cops wont take our boards
cause its happend to me and my friends one of my friends went to north west cause of skating were he shouldnt of and a couple of bemidji police officers say that he dosent want to be a hard ass but he has to do his job
manly_da_pothead@hotmail.com
Peter D
-Public skate parks are popping up all over the country. They are a great place for kids to go skate and prevent them from getting into all kinds of trouble. We have public facilities for just about every sport that people might participate in. It is time to provide a good place to skate. In cities with skate parks you never see people skating on private property because those places just aren't as good if you build it well.
-I would go whenever I could
-I skate the big smooth hills.
-peterdanielson2004@msn.com
I tbink that their should be a skate park here in Bemidji. I have a son that skates at a church parking lot, and thank goodness for that as he would have no other place to skate at. If a park was built, I know he would use it ALL the time.
i would like a skate park here in Bemidji becuse theyers no where to skate. I skate at the church it kinda gets boring after a while, on nothing but falt pavment. I need Rails,half pipes, stairs. now that would be Cool.
My name is Trevor, And I like to skate bored. but im not the Greatest, if we get one in Bemidji I think i'll get better.
my names brittany, Im not a Skater, but I have a Brother that LOVES to Skate, and he would enjoy a Skate Park, He would go crazy. So please Build thease people a Skate park they will enjoy. Thanks.
i would use the park every chanse i get
I am a mother of three and a hearty contributor to Bemidji's tax base. As such I'd be happy to support a skate/bike/roller blade park in Bemidji.
A free skate park would not only be a draw for area kids, but could increase the tourist base as well.
As obesity becomes a frightening reality for America's children, communities can offer incentives to get kids moving. A skate park would be just such an attraction.
This would be RAD!
I would go to the skatepark every day.
Kathryn Enright,
Building a skate park for the Bemidji area would be a
dream come true for many people. As a long-time
citizen and tax payer of this community, I fully
support a skate park. I believe that as community
members, it is our responsibility to do our best to
ensure healthy, risk managed alternatives for everyone
- our children and youth in particular.
Perhaps including youth in the design and management
process would contribute to the pride and moral
autonomy our kids develop individually and with
respect to this project. They have so much creativity
and great ideas!
I no longer skate, but have a son who tried skating
anywhere he could find - which was difficult as we
lived in the woods off a gravel road. I know many kids
who do skate and am amazed by their talent and daring.
These people deserve the respect and recognition any
hard-won skill receives - be it chess, football,
curling, swimming, math, music, civic accomplishment.
Deal with it in a positive manner and there will be an
increased positive outcome.
I am willing to help with this project. Keep me
posted.
Thank you.
Kathryn
i think we need a skatepark because im sick and tired of all the bullcrap that us skaters have to take, in our everyday life, we are literally shuned from public places for even haveing our skateboards. the rules are so stirct for were we can skate and where we cant, we are limited to only so much space and there are so many skaters, and when we go and skate in other places we get our boards taken away, i once had to spend the night in the north west juvenile center over a little skateboarding violation.
im just sick of it, we have parks, hockey arenas, event centers, baseball fields and even frisbe golf courses, but we dont have a skatepark. there are places for everyone to have fun and be themselves but not for us.
why do we get in trouble for having fun, this is what we do, this is our live, its our passion.
we get in trouble for skateing on public property, and they yell at us. if they dont want us there then they should help support our skatepark.
we need a place to just hang out and be ourselves. somwhere where we wont get kicked out of. a place for us.
i really hope this works out and we get what we've been working for.
It doesn't matter to our family if Bemidji has a skate park or not.We're going to skate anyway. We usually go to Fergus to skate, but sometimes go to Fargo. And yes, that is the only reson we go there - to skate, But this is what else we do in Fergus Falls; We spend a night in a room ($80.00-$120.00), Buy a tank of gas($85.00), Eat four meals($130.00)It doesn't matter to our family if Bemidji has a skate park or not.
Richard Moe
rickmoe@paulbunyan.net
This is a great idea! I think it would be beneficial not only to the skaters/bikers, but also to the community and drivers.
YES! I am a mother of two and live in a great Bemidji neighborhood with active kids. Healthy kids! We have four skaters on our street and they are great wtih the younger kids and respectful of property. There is no doubt that healthy happy children are kids with constructive things to do. As our outdoor season for play is somewhat limited due to climate, please further enhance the opportunities for our children to be active and use their energy in a positive way while the sun shines. As a community we need to be committed to keeping our kids in school and providing positive physical outlets for them. Two grassroots concepts that carry great weight and value. When you consistently tell someone what they cannot do, they become frustrated. As a community we need to take this step to show the kids we want to see what they CAN DO!
Not every kid wants to play hockey, consideration for the diverse population of kids that call Bemidji home is important. Positive recreational alternatives can only help grow healthy kids, potentially limit unintential property damage, and provide one more way to show off how great life in the north country can be.
With childrens best interest at heart, this Mom votes to build the skate park, a feasible, afford facility that will be ultimately appreciated by multiple generations for years to come. The events center is an entirely different debate. We need to focus on putting our kids first.
Build them the park! Then they can spray-paint 18" square stenciled skate boarders all over it instead of BSU vehicles and buildings like someone did this past thursday night/friday morning 10/25-26/07.
BUILD THE PARK!
1. Brynna Nelson
2. Bemidji, MN/New Haven, CT
3. Bemidji needs a skatepark so that children have somewhere to rollerblade, bike, etc. without the fear of getting hit by a car.
4. I would most likely not use the park, however my little brother would most likely end up there once or twice a week. I'd probably watch him (and his friends) for half an hour to an hour everytime he went because I would be picking him up/dropping him off.
5. I currently only do recreational biking/rollerblading, and it's generally the "around the lake loop" (Paul Bunyan Trail, Birchmont, State Park, etc.)
6. brynna.nelson@yale.edu
I'm not a skater, but I have a lot of friends that are. It sucks for them that there is no skate park, because of this, they have to skate in random places and usually get in trouble for doing something they love. Now they skate by Paul and Babe, down town, BSU, or where ever they can, even though they aren't supposed to. I mean what else are they going to do? Make stuff in their yards that really isn't safe and wind up in the hospital, come on is that really what the city wants? If the city has the money for a skate park, they might as well use it to build one, because looking at the postings already, it will be used! Besides, it will keep the police from getting after them, keep them from getting hit by a car or something, and keep people that don't appreciate skating happy because now they will have somewhere to go. I think this skate park should be built, and it should be done fairly soon.
I'm Isaiah Greer and I think we should have a skatepark because where else are we supposed to skate. I want to become a pro and I can't because they closed all the skateparks. I know it costs a lot of money and if the children get hurt then they could sue, but it would stop kids from skating on private property and the whole town would be happy.
I think bemidji really needs a skate park because there are so many skaters in town that dont have places to skate and end up skating in the streets and on there driveway like my friends. The skate park would be a cool place to hang out with my friends also so BUILD THE PARK and make the kids of bemidji happy with it.
I think a free skate park would be a great addition to our community. With the rising obesity among our youth, we need to get them outside into a safe place where they can socialize and burn off some calories. I would also bet that a lot of them would help with the man-power when it came to the actual construction...let them have a say in what they want in a skate park.
you guys have got to vote dont just post a commet vote for the park to go up on the top right corner and choose one of the selections!!!!
you guys have got to vote dont just post a commet vote for the park to go up on the top right corner and choose one of the selections!!!!
hey you need to put in the skate park sooo me and my hot emo friends can skate.
Josh
Bemidji
Bemidji really needs a skatepark so there is someplace for the kids to go and have fun and not have to worry about getting in trouble.
I would use it every chance I got.
Great Idea, way to get this going. I would have used the park alot in my younger days, but now I'm just lame and working. I used to skate alot at the Dike West in Fargo.
I think it would be a great thing for Bemidji skaters. I've seen some nice parks in other communities, and they are very well used. I understand the issues of not letting kids skateboard in various places, but I feel badly when kids have a healthy habit and are left with no place to practice it. We criticize kids for being addicted to electronics and for being couch potatoes, but we don't provide enough healthy, affordable outlets for them. If Bemidji Leads, let's lead! Get with it, Bemidji!
1. Name:- Raleigh Kleeb
2. City/Town: -Bemidji
3. Why do you think Bemidji, MN needs a free skate/BMX park?
-Because whenever we skate anywhere else we just get kicked out
4. Tell us how often you might use the park. Or, if you don't skate or bike, would you go watch or hang out there?
-id skate there as much as i can.
5. Where do you skate or bike now?
i dont skate in much fun places because i just get kicked out (streets and the collage)
Sonja Hoie, Bemidji, MN
Kids need a safe place to skate and ride. We, as citizens should support them in their activities. It's good, safe fun!
Clare Lyman, Bemidji, MN
Skateboarding is a popular sport here and kids need a safe, fun place to do it. --Adult who thinks kids need this.
Justin Pride, Bemidji, MN
I work in town and frequently see youth skating in town at the risk of being approached by authorities or upset business owners. When I was in High School I had several friends that skated. They all wanted a skate park here. I think its a wonderful thing to do for our youth. This would promote a healthy activity and a safe place to socialize.
Amy Petrie, Bemidji, MN
This would be great for youth. Great for students who have a non traditional sport that is not available in the school. I would go and watch these kids.
Rebekah Kraft, Bemidji, MN
I am happy to hear that there is condsideration for this project. I am in the Fitness/Health Industry and am very aware of increasing percentage of overweight and obese children. This is partially due to a lack of activity on the childs part. Providing a safe location for kids to express themselves through physical activity is great for our community. I only hope that this will create a spark to continue to help our kids increase their activity levels through a variety of safe outlets.
I'm too old to skate or bike in a park like that. But I still think we need one for Bemidji. If you haven't noticed, the Bemidji workforce is aging. Fun and cool things for young people to do may get them to stick around and establish their adult lives here rather than moving to metro areas. Also, parents that have teens are more likely to relocate and stay here, applying their talents in area businesses, if their kids like it here.
A skate park in Bemidji would be so beneficial for the kids and adults of this community. It would allow them get some much needed exercise and it would also provide a great place for social interaction. I think it would provide the community with a unique space for both residents and visitors to use and enjoy. It would definently be a positive move for Bemidji!
I am so happy to hear that the
Youth Advisory Council is supporting a Skate Park for Bemidji
that will be free and open to the pubic. I hope that it will be within walking distance of BSU so that the college students can enjoy it, also. And close to the center of town, where the Christmas
lights and the coffee shops are!!
Like the old time ice skating rinks, a skate park will be the hub
of youthful activity.
Kudos to the YA Council!!!
I think it is a wonderful idea and long overdue. It is about time that the Bemidji community supports its youth with a safe,fun and healthy alternative. Maybe this will be the beginning of reater things to come(ie:a Community Center--NOT Events Center, for the citizens of Bemidji and surrounding communities!)
when does the armory open to sk8
Lars Voltz
Bemidji
One of the most serious problems with Bemidji is its lack of things for kids to do. This skate park initiative is a great step toward dealing with that issue.
I don't skate, but I dig watching.
I'm a student at BSU and have been advocating the construction of a free skate park for a while. I think this project could really get the kind of grass roots gusto needed to see it to the end.
Keep us informed
lars.voltz@yahoo.com
Names: Rick & Alex
Town: Leech Lake area
Where we skate now?: Our neighbors 30 foot driveway, our porch, and Grandmas basement, anywhere we can get away with it!
Bemidji need a park?: Yes! Kids need something to do. It builds self esteem and persevierence in a world of instant gratification. Skating has helped me and my brother become healthier and more agile. My mom always crabbed about us being on the xbox...she never crabs about the skateboarding, she sees it as exercise. *Free because we live in one of MN's lowest income counties.
Would we skate there?: As much and as often as would could get there! We are so excited and cannot even wait to get to the armory.
THANKS SO VERY MUCH FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY!!!!! If you build it, we will come!
1. Marlon Amaro
2. (Originally)Lakeville, MN (Moved to college) Bemidji, MN
3. I live in an area with several free skate parks when I'm home for the summer. I used to rollerblade, but now I skateboard, and those parks are great places to be. You get to hang out with friends, do something active outside. It's a great environment for fun. People don't realize that one skate park can make the difference between "destruction of property" (or, as skaters like to call it, street skating or being resourceful) and sitting on your butt being a couch potato. It seems like older people always complain about the youth today only playing video games, doing drugs, or having sex. Well, give us something else to do! If you complain about us not doing anything, it's probably because we don't have the resources to do what we're passionate about.
4. I would use the park as much as I could. I'd ride my board over there everyday after I got done with classes or work and skate for awhile. I know people who would go with me, and I know people who would go just to watch and hang out.
5. Right now, I skate anywhere I can find a decent ledge, set of stairs, or nice, flat ground. I get in trouble for skating around the BSU campus and for "defacing public property". My friends and I are constantly on the lookout for cops and security, instead of just focusing on having fun and skating.
6. e-mail: mtamaro@frontiernet.net
Dan Gilbertson Bemidji/Bozeman MT
If a skatepark is built it will be used. skateboarding is awsome. I grew up in Bemidji and was an acive member of the skate Association in the late 90's. It's cool to see the park might happen for the town finally. I live in Montana now and there has been a over a dozen free parks built in very small towns to large cities and they are always crowded with kids. the skatepark that was built in Bozeman was built but the city thought few would use it much. Now the skatepark is 8 years old and it has so much use we are currently in the process of building one of the largest skateparks in the U.S. Skateboarding is an overwelmingly popular sport amoung the youth today and I have traveled all over the states just to skate skateparks. No matter what town the park has been in, they are always buisy. so get it built and kids will use it. See you down there when it's done!
Where's the money for the skate park? The City is using it for other things! Give it BACK to the SKATEPARK!
I am very excited to hear this possibility. I live in Fargo and have witnessed the success of that park. I visit often to see family and would ride a Bemiji skatepark often. I also very glad also to see BMX bikes will no be excluded.
nathaniel navratil
Fargo,ND
The dream of a skate park has not waned for a few of our Bemidji locals. Sadly, only a few are working hard to make this a reality. I realize it's a 'process', and often only a 'few' make things happen, but more moral support would be appreciated. Come on parents...there are a lot of young people who would use a skate park but can't 'do much' because of their age. Step up to the plate!! So your child prefers skateboarding over baseball, football, basketball, etc. Don't they deserve your support? There are less injuries with this sport (if conducted in a skate park) than the above mentioned. Most injuries happen with 'car contact' when street skating. Our kids deserve a safe place to enjoy their sport of choice. A lot more $$ needs to be raised. Altho grants are a big part of fund raising, local businesses and individuals need to take up the slack. We've had several generous businesses and individuals take on the '$300 challenge', but many more are needed. I challenge those businesses who DON'T want skateboarders skateboarding on their property to do something positive...DONATE AND CHALLENGE other businesses! The Bemidji Police Department could go a long way in making a positive impression on these young people by DONATING INSTEAD of just confiscating skateboards and constantly warning or even taking these 'criminals' 'downtown'. The Fire Station, Buena Vista, (skateboarders are known to be avid snowboarders) North country Regional Hospital, Paulbunyan Telephone, Beltrami Electric, local radio stations, The Bemidji Pioneer, church youth groups, law offices, car dealerships, bars, general contractors, beauty shops, funeral homes, dental offices, veterinarians, banks, restaurants, insurance offices, hotels, golf courses, funeral homes, retail stores, Otter Tail Power, and on and on need to support this community effort. Don't let Bemidji's youth down. Show your support!!
Brent (sQwIiDg3)
Bemidji MN,
Bemidji needs a skate park cuase of increase in the popularity, i see many skaters around and i myself would skate it since i too shred hahah
I would show up everyweekend and have some fun, i skate were ever i can right now with no park...text meh!! 218-760-3659
John Andringa
Crookston & Bemidji
Bemidji now has the funds to build the skatepark so why not. The skaters need to break down the barriers against them by being responsible. Also the town and ban on skating needs to stop and Bemidji needs to start living in the 21st century and revoke these bans. They are only hurting the city and it's citizens.
I would use the park regularly during the school year, as well as occasionally during the summer.
Currently I skate all around Crookston without restrictions, as well as at the Crookston skatepark. I also make attempts to skate in Bemidji but they are commonly thwarted by police and security. I also make trips to the Fargo skatepark and to 3rd Lair in Minneapolis. Which shows how much the skatepark will add to Bemidji, but it is key that the bans are stopped. Especially on campus.
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)1.krisolivier c dy )(sk8ters_creed@yahoo.com) 2.philipines ormoc city leyte) 3.to stop skating in the streets to prevent Car accidents Because i play in the streets there was a time that when i ollie high on a obstacle and i land on the street and there was a car comming to me and boom i was push force in the car and luckily i dont have a brake bone exept scars !!! 4.yup i will watch peapole skate its sow fun but if theres a skate park i will play and have fun =D 5. I skate in the street that had a good obstacle to play with . 6.philipines ormoc city leyte (email addres sk8ters_creed@yahoo.com) (school N.O.C.N.H.S)
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