How important was it for you to do something indoors? Ed: It was important to have something that could be open all year round, so the kids could always have a place to go.
What's the status at the moment?
Ed: We’re almost done building, so we’re just trying to get everything in order before we open.
Did you get some outside help on the park design? Ed: It was really important to us to include some local bmxers and skateboarders in on designing the park, because afterall it is their park.
Who are all helping out with the build of the ramps?
Ed: A lot of people have been coming out to build. Marc Kachtan, Alex Avilla, Chris and Tom Nazzaro, Steve
Quigley, Mike Taurozzi, Alexes Herrera, Tom Grunwald, Ryan Humphrey, Nick Gregoreadis, Taylor, Danny, and Paul. It’s pretty amazing having seeing three generations of bmx and skateboarders coming together to help build this park. Will it be a park open for skateboards, BMX, scooters, MTB's, the whole nine yards?
Ed: Yea, we will be open to skateboards, bikes, scooters, and rollerblades.
How many visitors are you shooting for to make it
worthwhile? Ed: 20-25 a day
What other things have you got planned to add to the indoor park? Shop, bar, chill room, concert room, workshop, something along those lines?
Ed: Right now we’re just opening as a skatepark with a small concession stand. Maybe in the future we will partner with a shop.
Are you getting any help from the local community to get this started to keep the kids off the streets and out of trouble? Ed: Definitely. Everyday since we’ve signed the lease kids have been here helping in any way they could.
Have any (BMX) companies offered to help out/sponsor?
Ed: So far Animal Bikes, CD Skateshop, Vector Media (gave us equipment), and Redbull gave us a sweet mini ramp and tons of Redbull.
When is it all supposed to be finished up and ready for action? Ed: Beginning of July. Will be released on the 5050skatepark website.
Where can people find out more info about the place?
Ed: @ 5050skatepark.com. We also have a facebook, instagram, and twitter, where we have been posting photos of our progress.
We have also teamed up with Fund Raisers Ltd. to give people a chance to be a part of the skatepark legacy. Each person who wants to donate can buy a brick through us, we will have it engraved and then those brick pavers will be laid throughout the park entrance. All this information can be found at 5050skatepark.com.
Photos by Alexis Herrera
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.