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Mayor Street’s promise to create a city-owned skater’s haven was not completely honored. The resulting FDR Skate Park under I-95 was a disappointment. Skaters put their own money into the project and redesigned it. Still, it’s bowl skating and not transitional skating. “It’s like asking a Major League pitcher to throw underhand, softball style,” Rob says. But Mayor Michael Nutter’s Web site now offers a directory of 23 legal, skater-friendly areas around Philadelphia. It’s a conciliatory gesture, since as a city councilman in 2000, Nutter drafted the original Philadelphia City Law 10-610 that banned skateboarding. There’s a project underway for a six million dollar skateboard plaza outside the Art Museum. “But they don’t realize Love is perfect,” says Rob. “It’s already here.”
Those who grew up skating Love rarely leave. Twenty-somethings from Lansdale and Atlantic City still get the call this cold Sunday night — “no cops around.” Rob has thought about moving, maybe someplace warmer, but nothing in his experience has topped Love, so he’ll stay and take his chances. “I know it’s illegal, but fuck it — I’m still going to skate. I’m not hurting anybody.” Like his strategy for dodging cops, he’ll run as long as he can. “When I’m 70, I guess I’ll do more ramps because they’re easier on the knees.”
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The second “e” on the neon green ExcelleRX sign has burned out and the Comcast Center glows white on top. Liberty Place and Mellon Bank Center are frosted pink, and all colors fall on the fountain. Atop the cascade of rounded steps, Rob stands still on his board, balancing on the white-chalked “SMILE” he has scribbled tonight. He squats and shoots back up, popping the board parallel to the ground, almost all the way around, failing to land his kick flip. He turns the board over and skates downhill to the west, just inside the trees. The only sound is of rubber wheels against the granite.
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Very well written article and a great insight into the issue from an inside perspective.
Wow, this is a good one Joe. I actually enjoyed it a lot. Keep it coming!
good article, but its the 9th district that handles that portion of downtown, especially skateboarding
Transition skating IS the kind of skating being done at FDR, the curvature of the bowls make a transition from horizontal to vertical. The kind of skating done at Love is street. Otherwise interesting article.
Skate there when I can. After the spree of cop shootings a while back the heat from Love and city hall died down a bit. Best place to do what I do. FDR is made for people who ride ramps not street. Its in a weird isolated area out by the stadiums and I don't think kids should have to go that far to enjoy their recreation. There's a swingset and jungle gym in every playground so they can't claim its a liablility. What is Mayor Nutter's web address? I need to see where exactly the 23 spots are.
Im 21 i have been skating love since i was 12. Me and my friends are all younger than these fucking old head politicians are gonna die soon from old age and ima still ripp love park. fuck there laws we represent that park and there Jealous. there is hundreds of skaters in this town and we have no where to skate. this city is crooked and corrupt and thats why they dont want us there cause they dont make money off us like they do with the drug dealers who go there. FUCK JOHN STREET AND MAYOR NUTTER FREE LOVE PARK.. im form atlantic city i moved to philly 4 years ago for love park and to go to co.leg and guess what philly i aint leaving. take me to court give me tickets i dfont give a afuck im ripp this city regardless....
someone set up meetings for all of us to go to and talk to these old head politicians who dont know shit about skatingg or the great things it will do for this fucked up city
ya.... i love "love park".. its very goood plaza is a relief in Philadelphia’s financial district, where skyscrapers shield from the sun until noon... thnxx
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