Wilmington Skate Project

Billboard up at site

2008-11-24T22:32:00.003-05:00

Article as it appears on Delawareonline.

DCAD Students Lend Artistic Hand to Wilmington Skate Project

NOVEMBER 20, 2008

As part of its continuing efforts to raise money for a world class skateboarding park, the Wilmington Skate Project (WSP) enlisted two students from the Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD) to help create a billboard at the site of the future skate plaza in Wilmington.

Borrowing inspiration from the 1990’s “Support and Build Public Skateparks” campaign by Consolidated Skateboards, imagery was transposed onto three panels of a shipping crate. Originally saved from going to the dumpster, the crate was recycled for use as an art kiosk that displayed works by Shepard Fairey for WSP’s 2006 art show, “Some of My Best Friends are Skateboarders”.

DCAD fine arts students Itzel Hernandez and Trisha Rampersad applied the image onto the rough wood surface with scrap paint that the Wilmington Skate Project had salvaged.
The billboard is an example of the green “reuse/recycle” approach that WSP plans to incorporate in the project as much as possible. WSP welcomes surplus building materials such as rebar, granite and framing wood.

The billboard has been installed in front of the future skate park site under I-95 on Maryland Avenue. The 25,000-square-foot park, designed by the team of Bracali, Skate Nerd, Van der Zalm and Newline Skateparks, will feature all of the elements of urban architecture sought out by modern street skateboarders.

The Wilmington Skate Project (WSP) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that is committed to the establishment of free, quality skateboarding facilities in the City of Wilmington.

For more information on the skate project, visit www.wilmingtonskateproject.org
To learn about DCAD, visit www.dcad.edu

Another successful Skate Jam - Wilmington Fall Fest!

2008-10-29T15:42:00.004-04:00

WSP was invited to Wilmington's Fall Fest where we held our 20th skate jam.

Right outside of the DelState satellite campus DJ Zip kept the house groove goin as nearly a hundred skaters ascended on LOMA. Big thanks to Out and About magazine, Wilm Renaissance and the Kinetic crew for puttin it all together!

Keep Pushing for the Plaza!

2008-10-29T15:40:00.000-04:00

"Never doubt that a small group of dedicated people can
change the world. In fact it is the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead

WSP Promo Video

2008-09-17T20:56:00.003-04:00

Check out our new promo video on Vimeo. Thanks to Jeff Finc, FilmBrothers and all the people who appear!

Go see it on the BIG Screen.
On Thursday Sept. 25th, The Film Brothers - Festival of Shorts will be playing our brand new promo video on the Big Screen at Theatre N! This event sounds like alot of fun and is expected to sell out. Part of proceeds go to Breast Cancer- Race for the Cure. Tix are $20. This is a 21+ event. Check it out here

WSP Skate Jam at Day for Kids-RiverFest

2008-09-03T11:42:00.005-04:00

WSP participated at this years Day for Kids at the Wilmington Riverfest on Saturday, September 20th, to benefit Boys and Girls Club of Delaware. Thanks to all who came out in support of Youth Programming. Thanks to Kinetic for doing a great job and also to all the skaters including 4 year old skater, Jovan Ramirez. We hope to have some pics soon.

We're not the only ones!

2008-08-13T11:09:00.002-04:00

For those who may be unfamiliar with what's going on in the world of skateparks, this is just one of many examples of a communities across the US and the Globe responding to the need and working to implement ample facilities for skateboarding.
We may have been a little ahead of our time but we would like to assure everyone that we continue to seek financial support from the entire community to make the Wilmington Skate Plaza a reality.
Opportunities like this don't last forever.

Article : Norfolk, VA 8-13-08

Norfolk is one step closer to a skateboard park

NORFOLK

After a lengthy search for a site that frayed the patience of some City Council members, the city appears set to build a skateboard park at Northside Park.

Darrell Crittendon, who heads the city's parks and recreation department, said he will recommend to the council later this month that the $750,000 facility be built at the park's entrance on Tidewater Drive, north of Southern Shopping Center.

Several council members said they likely will support the proposal, which is welcome news for Norfolk skateboarders.

For years, they have been forced to head to parks in other cities or risk skateboarding on city streets, which is against the law.

"That's just awesome," said Sebastian Stant, 16, a skateboarding enthusiast from Larchmont who spoke to the council about the issue more than two years ago.

Stant and many of his friends have been ticketed for skateboarding on streets.

Crittendon would not put a timeline on opening the facility. It must be approved by the council, then designed with input from local skateboarders.

"But getting a commitment on a site is progress," said Hobbs Bell, 16, who started the Maury High School skateboard club.

Crittendon said the park's design will depend on discussions with skateboarders and his staffers, but it likely will

be an "urban plaza," much like a downtown streetscape, with railings, steps and obstacles.

Frustrated council members have been pressing city staffers to select a location.

Last year, Councilwoman Theresa Whibley called de-lays on the project embarrassing.

Crittendon told the council in December that he preferred building it on the downtown waterfront next to Harbor Park.

Most council members, including Mayor Paul Fraim, objected, however, saying that land should be preserved for development.

Crittendon told the council then that there was not enough land at Northside Park.

Councilman Don Williams, a Willoughby developer, was unconvinced and later superimposed a skateboard park on a map at Northside.

"I knew then that it would work," Williams said.

Williams said he became interested in the issue because his grandson, James Rice, is a skateboarder.

Williams, Vice Mayor Anthony L. Burfoot and others say Northside has advantages not available at Harbor Park - free parking, a playground, restrooms and security.

"It belongs at Northside Park," said Burfoot, who is an avid skateboarder.

Harry Minium, (757) 446-2371, harry.minium@pilotonline.com

For the Love of Mustard, help us beat 10 years!

2008-08-04T14:34:00.002-04:00

Here is a link to a story not unlike ours. Unfortunatly, lots of parks including ours have taken years to get built. WSP is reaching out to everyone to step up to make it happen!
For the Love of Mustard and Skateboards

WSP at Art Loop - LOMA - Volunteers needed.

2008-07-28T21:21:00.004-04:00

WSP will be at 213 Market street for this months art loop with the art works from our June show. Most works still available for purchase including Chris Pastras, Clint Peterson from Stereo, one deck left from Sqindo, other works from Joe Castro, Eric Napier and more. That's this friday starting around 5:30 and going on into the evening.

Youth volunteers are encouraged to come out and represent.
Email mark@wilmingtonskateproject.org

Winners!

2008-07-26T12:38:00.002-04:00

The winner for the "most change" at the 7/19 "Spare Change Skate Jam" is Ross Bolling!

The winner of the Tony Hawk - Boom Boom Huck Jam tickets is Stephanie Rizzo.

THANKS!

and remember to sign up for our new automated newsletter here:http://www.wilmingtonskateproject.org/signup.html

Tric Town Mojo 13 Wilco Ticket Giveaway

2008-07-19T00:05:00.003-04:00

Saturday July 19th at Mojo 13
TRIC TOWN JULY with The Great Wilco Ticket Giveaway
VON HAYES CD Release Show
THE TRESSELS
CREEPING WEEDS
DAVE PAYNE
MIKE SCHIMDT

$6 cover
21 Plus
9pm doors

Ticket Giveaway Rules and Guidelines
****All paying customers at Tric Town July will be automatically entered for a chance to win two tickets to the very sold out Wilco concert at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington on Sunday August 10th. Additional chances will be available for purchase at the cost of $10 each. All proceeds from the additional chances purchased will be donated to The Wilmington Skate Project. Mojo 13 and Tric Town employees and staff are not eligible. Bands are eligible, but must purchase a chance to win.
THANKS TricTown and Amp Events!

Zola - Thanks for your support!

2008-07-19T00:02:00.001-04:00

Zola - Thanks for your support!

Win Tickets to Tony Hawk's Boom Boom Huck Jam

2008-07-17T19:59:00.003-04:00

Sign up for our new email newsletter and be eligible to win 2 tickets to Tony Hawk's Boom Boom Huck Jam, Saturday, July 26th - 7:00 pm at the Delaware State Fair.
Go to http://www.wilmingtonskateproject.org/signup.html

Skate Jam - Saturday July 19 - Spare Change 2

2008-07-14T16:53:00.003-04:00

Skate Jam this Saturday, 12-5, Frawley Stadium Parking lot.
Comp by Kinetic, Hot Dogs, Drinks, Zola.
Bring spare change to donate. Skate tips and learning clinics available; geared for the beginner level but just ask us, we'll set up a session. Youth and Adult volunteers needed for all efforts for the park. We need to push through to the goal by years end.

For questons about skate or spare change contest; call Kinetic at 477-1533.

GO SKATEBOARDING DAY - JUNE 21 - Thanks!

2008-06-10T07:57:00.003-04:00

Thanks to all who came out for GO SKATEBOARDING DAY - SAT. - JUNE 21ST at the Down Town Wilmington Jazz Fest. Thanks to all who helped! Councilman Kelley, Tina Betz, John Rago, Kinetic Skateboarding, Ben, Brannon, Colin, Joe Castro, Eric Napier and the Andrew Jackson Crew. Well over 100 skateboarders had a great time on the blocked off street. Help make next years location at the Skate Plaza! Donate today!

WSP Art Show - Thanks!

2008-05-22T09:35:00.003-04:00

Thanks to all who came out for making our second art show a success. Thanks to all the artists! Chris Pastras,Clint Peterson from the Stereo Sound Agency, Squindo, Joe Castro, Arabella Proffer, Willy Akers, Becky Schmidt, Sierra DuJour, Brooke Somers. The DJ's. Thanks to Opera Delaware, Joe, Julie, and Gina for making it happen.
(pics to come)

Upcoming Events! Art Show, Film, Go Skate Day

2008-05-06T22:24:00.003-04:00

Mark your calenders!
Friday night June 6th - WSP Art Show.
We'll be on the art loop in the spaces of Opera Delaware.
Details coming soon.

We are working out the details to screen an awesome upcoming skate movie at Theatre N.
Look for updates.

Go Skateboarding Day - June 21st - a Saturday.
Plans in the works for Downtown location.

Temp blog issues

2008-04-25T23:11:00.002-04:00

Sorry for lack of pics and images in posts. Browser/ computer issues from our side. Hope to resolve soon. We will still post to blog with upcoming info. You can also check the myspace at

McRad and Walleye to play Benefit for WSP..more..

2008-04-20T20:47:00.007-04:00

Great Show! Thanks to MOJO13, all the bands; Chuck Treece/McRad, Walleye, Idleminds and Lights Over Reno and all the people who came out to make this show a success.
Special thanks to WSP's Joe Castro Brevoort for coordinating stuff!

WSP hosts 16th Skate Jam and Safe Kids Demo

2008-04-05T21:27:00.010-04:00

WSP hosted its 16th FREE Skate Jam - Saturday, 4/19/08
Thanks to everyone! Special thanks to DJ Passable Plastic, Kinetic Crew, Leon, Bryn and friends, Kelley, Joe, Eric N., Wilmington BlueRocks.

WSP was invited to the SafeKids Day at Bellvue Park. We met some nice people and did a demo. Thanks Amy, Ben, Joey, Joey and Jared.

House of Steam and Upcoming Events!

2008-03-16T23:09:00.005-04:00

Our good friends Derek Rinaldi and Jason Oliva over at House of Steam have posted an article on WSP. Thanks!

Public Meeting - 7pm, Thursday, April 3rd at Brandywine Library on Foulk Road. Bring your thoughts, energy and committment to help make this finally happen. It can't happen without YOU!

Mark your calenders for Saturday April 19th for our first skatejam of the season. Frawley Stadium parking lot, 1-5pm

Music Benefit - Mojo13 - Saturday, April 26th (21 and up)
Not confirmed - Film Premiere - New York Skate Movie - Theatre N - Early May.
Confirmed - WSP table and demo at the Wilmington Grand Prix Bike Race - May 17th

200 Kids Can’t Be Wrong!

2007-11-09T09:16:00.001-05:00

On Saturday, Nov 3rd, we hosted our 15th successful skatejam on this cool overcast day. Everybody had a good time. We collected almost $400 in spare change and another $500 from food etc. We made it on Action News, Delawareonline and the Sunday News Journal. (please forward any pics you have) It was a good day. With nearly 200 attendants at the skatejam, they can’t all be wrong. Keep in mind; this is a parking lot with a few ramps on it!
So please, do anything you can to contribute, to make the Skate Plaza a reality! Big thanks go out to the Kinetic Crew, DJ Passable Plastic, Chris, Gentle Jones, Leon and Bryn, Wes, Willy, Eric and everyone for coming out.

More T Shirts are in.

2007-11-02T15:37:00.000-04:00

We are ramping up the fundraising by asking for 15$ for T-Shirts.
We now have youth sizes and long sleeve in limited availability.
Youth in medium blue,navy and texas orange - white ink.
Adult in texas orange - black ink.
Long sleeve in Navy only. $20.

Make Your Tax Deductable Donation - Make it Happen!

2007-11-02T15:26:00.000-04:00

Builder - $100,000 and Above
naming rights, website recognition,
representation in all media and promotional materials.

Benefactor - $50,000 to $100,000
Engraved bench, website recognition,
representation in all media and promotional materials.

Sponsor - $10,000 to $50,000
Large engraved brick or tile, website recognition, representation in all media and promotional materials.

Friend - $1000 to $10,000
Engraved brick and website recognition.

Patron - $25 to $900
Website recognition

Skate Jam - Saturday Nov. 3rd - Gentle Jones

2007-10-26T19:41:00.000-04:00

WSP will be hosting a Skate Jam on Saturday November,3rd from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm, at Frawley Stadium parking lot. (weather permitting)

It’s time to break open the piggy bank! Please donate anything you can for admission or bring your spare change jars and containers to help build the Wilmington Skate Plaza. There will be prizes for the most change donated and most unusual container. There will also be a best trick contest, food and live music by DJ Passable Plastic and Gentle Jones! This event is co-sponsored by Kinetic Skateboarding, 5Boronyc, Listen Skateboards,DC Shoes and the City of Wilmington.

Halloween Parade - Thanks

2007-10-21T23:21:00.000-04:00

The Newark Halloween Parade was fun. Thanks to Tyler, Joel and all who skated. The group entertained the crowd and was well received. The Mayor even hugged me.
(insert weird emoticon here)