Some skateboarders criticize park design, selection process
Others are frustrated by the spread of inaccurate information. Officials say construction will proceed.
By Tom Bell tbell@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
PORTLAND - While work is scheduled to begin late this summer on a $250,000 skate park at Dougherty Field, a number of skateboarders remain critical of the design and the process that led to its selection.
Louis Reimensnyder grinds along the median divider on Middle Street in Portland on Wednesday. Later this summer, the city plans to build a $250,000 skate park at Dougherty Field near the I-295 overpass on Congress Street, but its design has generated some criticism from skateboarders. Reimensnyder says a skate park is desirable for the city. âÂÂIt does get people out of the streets,â he said.
Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer
"Opposition to the park is widespread," said Tom Haraden, a 25-year-old skateboarder. He said skateboarders are upset that the city didn't listen to them and rejected the design they liked best.
"It's totally opposite of what everyone wanted," he said. "It's a big disappointment."
Skatedaily.net., one of the nation's largest online sites dedicated to skateboard news, posted a story on the controversy Wednesday. A Facebook page created last week by opponents of the design has nearly 800 members, although most appear to live outside of Maine.
City officials said the process has been an open one and that the final design is based on a concept known as the "crop circle," which won an online poll sponsored by the Portland Phoenix in 2008.
Officials say the park -- which will replace the rundown park on Marginal Way that was removed five years ago -- is long overdue and that construction will move forward.
City Councilor David Marshall, who chairs a city committee working on the skate park, said opponents have spread inaccurate information about the design of the park and the process.
"I am very concerned the misinformation being floated out in the public will affect the outcome of the skate park," he said. "It's time to get the facts straight and finish the project."
Opponents say that the results from the online poll were a poor indicator of people's preferences because it was open to people not involved in the sport and that participants could have voted as often as they wanted.
The most vocal opponent has been Tom Noble, a local skate park designer who had worked as a subcontractor for the city in the early design phase.
Although the city adopted some of his ideas, it rejected Noble's proposal to build the park and awarded the job to a competitor.
Noble said that skaters were excited when the winning bidder, Hardcore Shotcrete Skateparks Inc., presented an option of a larger rectangular plaza known as the "M design," because it had large steel letter "M" in the middle.
But instead of going ahead with that design, he said, city officials decided to allow the company to build a much smaller park for the same amount of money.
The process was unfair to other bidders and resulted in a park that cost taxpayers more than it should have, he said. It also failed to please the target audience.
"It's simply that kids I've spoken to don't like it," he said.
Hardcore's original proposal was between 12,000 and 14,000 square feet, and the final design chosen by the city is between 9,000 and 10,000 square feet, said Sally DeLuca, division manager for the city's Recreation and Facilities Management Department.
DeLuca said the original crop circle design didn't have many "elements," which are concrete or steel objects that riders do tricks on. Hardcore said it could add elements, but it would cost more money than the city had budgeted for the project.
She said the skate park selection committee concluded that a somewhat smaller park with more elements would be more fun, she said.
In addition, the committee wanted to preserve the crop circle design, which had been highly publicized.
"From the moment we started, we have had teenagers involved," DeLuca said. "Everything we did -- from the formation of the committee to raising money to build it -- involved teenagers who were representatives of their peers."
One of those committee members, Rocco Didonato, 17, a BMX rider, said that both skateboarders and bike riders are going to enjoy the park when it's finished. He said he is frustrated by misinformation circulating in the skateboard community
"Nobody knows what's going on," he said.
Eli Cayer, a 36-year-old skateboarder who also served on the committee, said that skateboarders will forget about the controversy once they see how much fun it is.
"They will forget about it and focus on the moment, which is what skateboarding is all about," he said.
Staff Writer Tom Bell can be contacted at 791-6369 or at
tbell@pressherald.com
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87 COMMENTS
mainejeff said...
Are the skateboarders paying for the park? If not....you know the rest.
July 1, 2010 at 1:53 AM Report abuse
mainejeff said...
"25 year old skateboarder"........get a job.
July 1, 2010 at 1:55 AM Report abuse
BenMatlock said...
$250k for SKATEBOARDING... ? Yes, yes, money is SO TIGHT these days... priorities?
July 1, 2010 at 4:21 AM Report abuse
UofA said...
The ones that are complaining can just go somewhere else to play their silly games until they pay to build a park that will suit their little @zzez! In the meantime, take what the taxpayers that work are paying for!
July 1, 2010 at 4:59 AM Report abuse
heyjoe said...
The skateboarders are represented by Pierce Atwood....
July 1, 2010 at 5:11 AM Report abuse
Ayuh23 said...
So it's ok to bash skateboarders, but maintain a city golf course? Both are recreational activities. Skateboarding is becoming more mainstream all the time- and is really no different from skiing or any other outside sport.
July 1, 2010 at 5:58 AM Report abuse
Beemeup said...
The logic behind the city spending $250,000 on a skate park during such tough economic times is difficult enough to comprehend. The added information that they insisted on getting the least value for our tax dollars is beyond belief. That the skateboarders who are benefiting from this ridiculous project are ungrateful is simply astounding. If you take these three things together it constitutes a "hat trick" of fiscal stupidity! Let's try really hard to remember this at election time.
July 1, 2010 at 6:08 AM Report abuse
fattubbo said...
Yes, Ayuh, the people will bash the skateboarders. They're whining like a bunch of slacker losers because they don't like the design of the quarter million dollar skateboard park being designed and built for them right smack dab in the middle of a huge recession. Yes, the city is paying to maintain a municipal golf course. Yes, skateboarding is becoming as "mainstream" as skiing. However, for those who want to whine about the municipal golf course, they have the option of just not using it. Those who may whine about a particular ski facility also have the option of just not using it. The same holds true for the whining skateboarders. Don't use the darned thing. And mainejeff, perfectly said!!!!
July 1, 2010 at 6:14 AM Report abuse
MainelyJack said...
Twenty-five and thirty-six year old skateboarders are whining abut their new place to waste their time. Only in Portland!
July 1, 2010 at 6:38 AM Report abuse
nikonwilly said...
Madison ave. based sports fads ...don't take them too serious , it make you useless and ignorant. Sports fad propaganda is always a hoot! Grow up.
July 1, 2010 at 6:39 AM Report abuse
Mag said...
Wha,Wha,Wha.....sounds like sour grapes! Tom Noble is upset because he's not building the skate park. Read between the line and you'll see who is really creating the discontent!
July 1, 2010 at 6:42 AM Report abuse
jo said...
What a waste of money- at least my town spent 250k on a useless windmill that is currently out of order
July 1, 2010 at 6:44 AM Report abuse
Midmaine2003 said...
Aren't here fees for using the City golf course? I think so. will there be fees for the skate park, If not then 25 year olds still living at home with MaMa shut up, And thank the City for what they did for you. To you skateboarders that do pay taxs keep complaing, You have that right
July 1, 2010 at 6:49 AM Report abuse
Maine_Guy said...
The city took the last park FIVE YEARS AGO to create a college housing area that is now in default. At that time, they also promised to make a new park. A bad decision on two fronts.. but I am looking forward to seeing the new park.
July 1, 2010 at 7:04 AM Report abuse
yardbird said...
shut it down , turn it into something useful
July 1, 2010 at 7:11 AM Report abuse
Eric said...
http://www.pressherald.com/archive/skate-park-plan-about-ready-to-roll_2009-08-05.html?searchterm=skateboard+park Portland is not footing the 250k bill, or at least not entirely, so do not complain about the money. Seems weird they would wait this long to complain about the design. At least they have a place now. Also just because a 25 year old skateboards does not mean he doesn't have a job
July 1, 2010 at 7:14 AM Report abuse
merrywidow said...
I would hardly call a 25 year old a "kid." Get a job and build your own park.
July 1, 2010 at 7:25 AM Report abuse
Blanco said...
He doesn't live with his mother, he lives in her basement.........
July 1, 2010 at 7:30 AM Report abuse
lp said...
darn that George Bush!!!
July 1, 2010 at 7:38 AM Report abuse
Jackemy said...
Eric, Little economic question for you. Where does government money come from?
July 1, 2010 at 7:39 AM Report abuse
Beemeup said...
Funding for human services are being cut in our community(indigent will suffer), public safety budgets( Police, Firefighters) have been cut, in today's paper a public relations program that supports tourism (money coming into our economy) has been cut.....so we can spend a quarter of a million dollars building a skate park for people who don't like the design. This is a lot like stepping over a dollar to pick up a penny. Someone please tell me how this skate park will help our local economy, help our most needy citizens or help keep us safe.
July 1, 2010 at 7:48 AM Report abuse
justducky said...
$250,000.00, ...for a skateboard park? While more deserving city projects go through buget cuts, city jobs remain vacant due to lack of funds. I'm sure the Portland Police would love the chance at some of that money for upgrades, and , or more Officers. Skateboarders should keep their mouths shut and thank their lucky stars. Voters should be closely looking at their City Councilors. 25 and 36 year old spoiled kids still getting their own way...sad.
July 1, 2010 at 7:52 AM Report abuse
notspot said...
Maybe Portland could fund the park with the new $25 charge the city is leveling on those that call to obtain tax information.
July 1, 2010 at 7:54 AM Report abuse
MeInPortland said...
These "kids" should stop their complaining and GET A JOB!!! You are all way too old to be hanging out skating ALL DAY ( which is exactly what you do) Get the park built and then make them use it and get these so called kids off of Middle Street...they are an annoyance.
July 1, 2010 at 8:06 AM Report abuse
Janey said...
Even those of you who don't skate WILL BENEFIT from this park, because the skateboarders will be somewhere other than the Old Port sidewalks, stone steps of various local landmarks, and every parking lot in town. Someone needs to do a little promoting of this design to make sure the opponents will use it, because if they won't, then it's no solution.
July 1, 2010 at 8:11 AM Report abuse
composer said...
"So it's ok to bash skateboarders, but maintain a city golf course?" And the golfers wouldn't start playing on city streets if the course was closed.
July 1, 2010 at 8:13 AM Report abuse
justducky said...
Oh, by the way, The Portland/Maine open at Riverside that just finished brought in funds for the local economy, is the skate park going to do the same?
July 1, 2010 at 8:13 AM Report abuse
XPortlander said...
Portland liberals and dems cannot and will not stop spending!!!
July 1, 2010 at 8:20 AM Report abuse
TTG said...
merrywidow said-"I would hardly call a 25 year old a "kid."----Sorry,but thanks to liberals in Augusta,grown-up adult men & women up to 25 years old can be considered "dependant children" in the state of Maine and stay on daddy and mommies' health insurance.
July 1, 2010 at 8:30 AM Report abuse
Portlander said...
Hey "Ayuh23", a golf course and ski mountain generate revenues to offset their costs, how much revenue will the skate park generate?
July 1, 2010 at 8:47 AM Report abuse
berged said...
Sounds more like sour grapes from Tom Noble. He didn't get the job from the city, so he's going to bash it anyway he can. And yes, $250K is a lot of money but it's a capital expense (one-time), in contrast to jobs, welfare, etc. These are costs that are ongoing, which we cannot afford.
July 1, 2010 at 9:05 AM Report abuse
RecycleGrrl said...
This skatepark is being built with monies set aside (promised and saved in a reserve account) many years ago for this project plus funds raised by donations from the citizens of Portland and surrounding towns. I am one of them and will support this project with further donations if needed. As to those coming to use the skate park spending their dollars in town, my nephew is coming from Idaho when the park is finished just to try it out. I'm sure he will buy meals and touristy objects to remind him of the great time he had in Maine.
July 1, 2010 at 9:13 AM Report abuse
lossforwords said...
I don't skateboard as much as I did ten years ago, but I try to remain active in the skate community as much as possible. Your football is my skateboarding, get over it. The one thing the paper forgot to mention was the PRIVATE redesign process over the last 6 months. We were given a design in February (the 'M' design) and now, a much smaller park has surfaced for the same price tag with no input from the community. If there were public meetings on the issue, it sounds like many of you would attend from an economic perspective (although most of the money was raised by the committee). -Thomas Haraden
July 1, 2010 at 9:14 AM Report abuse
Eric said...
Fine if there is government money funding this how much, from the story i posted which states"With several recent grants, including $10,000 from the Tony Hawk Foundation, the committee has collected more than $250,000 for a cutting-edge park " suggest that the money is form grants and donations. Yeah portland is giving up the land, but portland also sold the land the last one was on and promised a new one 5 years ago. Also this money was given for a skate park not for any other needed city projects therefore they cannot use it for anything else. Also in the article it says an extra $376,000 DONATION, not tax money, for playgrounds and trails around the park. Making the area nicer than what is there. Stop complaining about the money and the democrats spending. The money, or majority, did not come from portland or the budget.
July 1, 2010 at 9:15 AM Report abuse
MinasTirth said...
I envy these older guys and girls out there skateboarding. Come on, get off your butt and do something active. Just because it isn't something you want to do doesn't mean they don't. They work and contribute taxes to the city too. As far as the golf course goes, the golfers pay for it - it's not free like the park will be. We get so very little for our taxes in Portland; let someone enjoy something for 'free'. Regardless of what you think about skateboarders they will bring revenue into the area when they use the park. It may be a buck here or a few there, but they are adding it.
July 1, 2010 at 9:20 AM Report abuse
mach10 said...
Finish the park and let them have at it so I don't hit one of them on Middle Street. Can the boys with their itty bitty bikes go there too?
July 1, 2010 at 9:51 AM Report abuse
Portlander said...
although the park will not only be a drain on the funds of this City to build it, but also to maintain it through the years, I am glad they are building it. Get the skate boarders and BMX bikers off the streets of Portland, they are just a nuisance to the rest of the civilized society. Although I really doubt this park will reduce much of the boarders and bikers from hanging out downtown Portland because it is not really within boarding range and they probably don't have cars..
July 1, 2010 at 10:03 AM Report abuse
lossforwords said...
The process was not OPEN despite what city officials are saying. Due to reasons that still remain a mystery, the community wasn't able to speak to the committee regarding skatepark business.
July 1, 2010 at 10:19 AM Report abuse
accolade said...
The bottom line is a park that everybody liked was presented and then it was changed, became smaller and cost the same amount of money. Want more of the story go here: http://www.facebook.com/PortlandMEwantstheMdesign
July 1, 2010 at 10:20 AM Report abuse
PaulPortland said...
Coming next a Facebook page on the $500,000 Duck Duck Goose park for 36-year-old Duck Duck Goose players.
July 1, 2010 at 10:24 AM Report abuse
Skaterdad said...
I am a 32 year old avid skateboarder with 3 children one of whom which skates as well, he is 8 years old. I have a career, and have been working in Maine since I was 14. So your stereo type of skaters not having jobs and not contributing as far as tax money goes is totally inaccurate. The fact is that most skate parks are paid for with vigorous fund raising and grants from private foundations like the Tony Hawk foundation. Yes there is a 250,000 construction budget, but half of that money was raised through fundraising. There is an opportunity for local economic benefit from any desirable recreational destination, including skate parks. I skated in Portland just the other night and guess what? I spent my hard earned money afterwards dining a local restaurant. So wah wah to you sir!
July 1, 2010 at 10:25 AM Report abuse
person65 said...
you wouldn't want to have your money wasted on something that the people who it was for didn't even want it. people hate skateboarders so much they don't ever think of it from thier point of view. The city isn't even paying to full 250K for the park, a good portion of the money comes from fundraising done by local skateboarders. Skateboarding is a national pastime, and if you dont believe me, look at what it has become, with the X-Games, Dew Tour, and it now shares a television channel with other action sports. Do your homework before you start bashing skateboarders for something that is perfectly logical
July 1, 2010 at 10:30 AM Report abuse
accolade said...
And in response to your comment, "Portlander" - however venom filled and malicious as it was. If Portland built the ORIGINAL "M" design we all want - it would get skaters out of the street because it replicated street spots AND it would draw skaters from ALL over the Northeast to skate it and they in turn would spend money up here. BUT the NEW design is not going to accomplish either of these things.
July 1, 2010 at 10:32 AM Report abuse
Hagimallis said...
I am glad the news can talk about "some".. what other the other skate boarders saying. As far as the spending money on kids this is a good idea. I would rather see the money go to educational activities. I think a skate parks is a good idea too. However, when you can't afford to educate kids a skate park seems rather stupid. I would suggest have kids help build this and have private funding and advertisers for this project. Mike Mallis
July 1, 2010 at 10:37 AM Report abuse
Portlander said...
There are always exceptions to the rule, I don't think most of the "boarders" we see in Portland are career minded young professionals with families, and are certainly not going to "stimulate" our economy by spending money on food they would have spent anyways. Lets face it, no matter which way you look at it, the park is not being built to stimulate anything. You can say that half the funds were raised privately, but that still leaved the City with a $125,000 bill, that could pay for 4 or 5 teachers salaries whom were recently laid off.. but at least the City now has a skate park for all of what 100 people to use on a regular basis? Money well spent....
July 1, 2010 at 10:39 AM Report abuse
portlandgirl said...
The 25 year old and the 36 year old have been waiting since they they were 12, when the city took away the other park on marginal way...build the skate park already, come on..... signed 53
July 1, 2010 at 11:04 AM Report abuse
QnVyclN0b25l said...
The public skatepark in Bristol, Connecticut averages 500 kids a day. Kids that aren't in your way coming out of the post office. Kids not getting fat. Kid just like yours. Oh and kids on days trips from other states enjoying skate camp. After two years of zero-maintenance operation, Bristol isn't complaining. But this is a vendor tipping off Portland. And the substitute design will not be the same draw. I'm a adult skater/photgrapher with a job & mortgage who likes to hit all the good skateparks in the northeast. The substitute design for Portland is lousy, though, so when its done I'll spend my money elsewhere.
July 1, 2010 at 11:07 AM Report abuse
accolade said...
"Portlander" - that's probably because most of the skater's you see in Portland are YOUNG. What 16 year old kid knows exactly how he wants to live the rest of his life? Skateboarding - believe it or not - is a reason for youth to stay sober, be physically active and have an outlet for aggression and angst without trying to be a silly crooked hat wearing mall gangster. Skateboarding stimulates mental and physical health and builds self-esteem in disenchanted youth. You can't attach a monetary value to what is PRICELESS.
July 1, 2010 at 11:08 AM Report abuse
a3lsZXdoYWxvbg%3D%3D said...
ok lets get one thing straight from the begining... all of u, who just because you dont skate, that think your part of civilized society need to come down off ur high horse. yes im a 25 year old skateboarder... but im also a father, own my own place, and im a contractor who to date (jun 29) has made $52,000 this year already. your simplistic analysis of the sport and its steroetypes only further contribute to ur overwhelming ignorance. let me break this down for you... people are complaining about the design of the park because if its not what they want to skate then they're not going to skate it... PERIOD. if u build a park that sucks no one is going to go there. you all are crying about spending money on a park but how are u going to feel when its all said and done and the place is barren wasteland? i bet you'll feel stupid then and wished that maybe u'd have listened the skaters input.
July 1, 2010 at 11:10 AM Report abuse
a3lsZXdoYWxvbg%3D%3D said...
furthermore ur sarcastic ignorant comments regarding "if we're not paying for it then we cant complain" are highly illogical. if u want to waste 250,000 on a piece of junk, that no one wants, then thats your problem cuz if the place sucks then i'll just skate in the old-port. ur not hurting my feelings whatsoever but when ur crying that im getting in your way in downtown portland ur going to get the finger and maybe u'll regret bruhing our opinions aside. i will personally skate outside of every one of u ignorant superficial &^%$^%$^%'s houses and we'll see how u like it then. and for the record... just because i like to skate doesnt make me childish. it means id rather go outside and get some exersize then sit on my fat out of shape 1@$$'s like u. so before u judge u should take a long look in the mirror and work that gut off so just maybe u'll see your toes by the end of the year.
July 1, 2010 at 11:20 AM Report abuse
a3lsZXdoYWxvbg%3D%3D said...
owned....
July 1, 2010 at 11:28 AM Report abuse
StuccoAce said...
a3lsZXdoYWxvbg%3D%3D - You actually presented a decent case in your first post and should have left it at that. You sound like a complete idiot in your follow-up post and have stooped to the level of the people you bashed, thereby discrediting everything you said. You "Owned" yourself. Congrats.
July 1, 2010 at 11:34 AM Report abuse
c2thdGUxMjI%3D said...
Looks like that 25 year old found something he loved besides getting fat watching tv after work ^_^
July 1, 2010 at 11:35 AM Report abuse
null said...
way to go - a3lsZXdoYWxvbg%3D%3D - tell them like it is!
July 1, 2010 at 11:38 AM Report abuse
a3lsZXdoYWxvbg%3D%3D said...
i agree completely about the second post. that was not intended to be me personally i was merely trying to educate them on the reality of the reactions they will get. im mature enough to not give people a hard time, especially when they're doing their jobs (such as a security gaurd). but there is a great number of the population that will not tolerate their contradictive attitudes towards the situation. complain about builing a park but also complain about people skating in their way. the reality is if they dont build a suitable enjoyable environment that people actually want to go to then their merely throwning 250k out the window. they will have angered the skateboarding communtiy with a terrible park. my crude im-mature remarks in the second comment was just evidence of the reaction they will get... not my personal feelings on he situation. better they know the severity of the situation now then follow through with their plans. bottomline is listen to what we have to say
July 1, 2010 at 11:52 AM Report abuse
Les said...
These may be the most idiotic comments I've ever seen. You're crying about your money going to fund a skatepark, yet how much of your money funds 2 wars? Bloated government salaries? Quit your crying. At least they are out doing something while all your fat kids sit at home play video games and eat garbage.
July 1, 2010 at 11:56 AM Report abuse
a3lsZXdoYWxvbg%3D%3D said...
oh and btw, this is two different people posting. as u can see my buddys a little more mad than i am
July 1, 2010 at 11:58 AM Report abuse
U2s4UG9ydGxhbmQ%3D said...
Hello, my name is Joey Sczurko and I am a Windham resident. I'm 14 years old and enjoy recreational skateboarding activities. I'm sure some of you will be upset because I do not live in Portland, but next year I will be attending Waynflete School in Portland. I am conservative, and honestly, a skatepark is one thing the city of Portland needs. Yes, I'll admit SOME skateboarders are rude, and act like the stereotypical skateboarder, however, MOST skateboarders are nice individuals who have never caused and issue. We just want to skateboard and I have skateboarded in the city of Portland quite a few times. The "M" Design would create a place for skateboarders to finally be able to practice doing what they love. Yes it is a lot of money, but it makes me sick to see some comments from people like MaineJeff and Beemump. Please Portland, build the M design, and the residents of Portland quit stereotyping! Thanks!
July 1, 2010 at 12:10 PM Report abuse
U2s4UG9ydGxhbmQ%3D said...
This is Joey Sczurko here one more time Portlander, you're an ignorant, crook. I got Honor Roll this year, and plan to apply to MANY 4 year colleges once I turn 17. What's your address I'll be sure to mail you my college acceptance letters, or job titles once I get older.
July 1, 2010 at 12:24 PM Report abuse
weatherfreak said...
If they spent the entire 250K on a smaller design that didn't include the M, then would they have been able to build the M with just 250K?
July 1, 2010 at 12:32 PM Report abuse
Creteskater said...
Because they obviously never intended to build the "M" for $250 and have been allowed to weasel out of it.
July 1, 2010 at 12:49 PM Report abuse
weatherfreak said...
It does appear to be a bait and switch if that's tha case, Crete.
July 1, 2010 at 12:57 PM Report abuse
august1 said...
WOW, I'm amazed at some of the comments on here. A lot of you are assuming that the 25 year old and 36 year old don't have jobs and are losers? What made you come to that conclusion? I'm NOT a skateboarder and don't know anyone who does, however, skateboarding is like skiing or snowboarding and respectable people in their 50's 60's or 70s do that. WOW, talk about stereo-typing......
July 1, 2010 at 1:21 PM Report abuse
MeInPortland said...
Hey Skaterdad....I for one know that not all skateboarders are UNEMPLOYED MORONS, however, the ones who spend from 11am - after I am long gone home at 5pm skating on the median depicted in this article, are clearly unemployed and give skaters like yourself ( hard working parents) a bad name. Do you have any jobs in your office that could employ these guys to get them off the street?
July 1, 2010 at 1:41 PM Report abuse
lossforwords said...
There's a much more insightful conversation going on here... http://www.facebook.com/PortlandMEwantstheMdesign
July 1, 2010 at 1:49 PM Report abuse
accolade said...
This string of comments has gotten way off topic. The issue here is that a LARGE MAJORITY of local skateboarders does not like the current design of the park. We FULLY SUPPORTED the ORIGINAL "M" Design and would like to see it built. The original design was awesome but then was changed, made smaller, costs the same large amount of money and doesn't appeal to the skate community. Bring back the "M" Design!!!
July 1, 2010 at 1:52 PM Report abuse
cmVkc294bmF0aW9u said...
Eli Cayer...the graffiti artist that plastered Portland for a decade at the taxpayers expense...
July 1, 2010 at 2:42 PM Report abuse
Beemeup said...
If the $250,0000 came from donations and federal money that the skateboarders have raised then I have no beef with the skateboarders getting their park. I think if they raised the money they should get whatever design they want. I have no beef with skateboarders, I just couldn't see spending our tax dollars at a time like this on a skate park as opposed to vital community services. This is simple common sense. I'd feel the same way if they wanted to build a public race track for motorcycles with our tax dollars and I ride one. My issue was about the city being fiscally responsible and nothing else. I think the stereotypical remarks about skateboarders are small minded and offense too, having experienced some of these myself as a motorcyclist.
July 1, 2010 at 2:55 PM Report abuse
lossforwords said...
Where are these facts? What misinformation has been circulated?
July 1, 2010 at 3:04 PM Report abuse
U2thdGVNYWluZQ%3D%3D said...
The ignorance behind some of these comments towards skateboarders astounds me! If you think that all skateboarders that are 25 to 36 don't have jobs, live with there mom, and are spoiled brats, then you have no knowledge of skateboarding and should just stop wasting your breath. You probably just sit at home on the computer, get worked up over things of this matter, and get mad at other people who actually know how to enjoy their lives.
July 1, 2010 at 3:09 PM Report abuse
pphreader said...
Not fair.If there are public basebal fields,basket ball courts,swimming pools then a skate park is fair game.Sakte boarding is a sport.Not a crime.
July 1, 2010 at 3:29 PM Report abuse
U2thdGVNYWluZQ%3D%3D said...
here's the thing... Maine has an abundance of old people and needs younger people to keep the economy alive. The park is being built. So why not build the one that the majority of the skaters like to attract more of the younger crowd to Maine? If Portland doesn't, and start's cracking down on skating downtown, the younger people will leave and go where skating is accepted, and Maine will loose once again. As far as skaters living "with mama" not paying taxes and jobless, that is just an ignorant remark. I have a job, I pay my taxes, I'm between 25-36, I love to skateboard and most all of my friends are in the same boat. If we all leave then you loose us as tax paying citizens. Get with the times, skateboarding is very real and is not going away.
July 1, 2010 at 3:57 PM Report abuse
OlderthanDus said...
If these ungrateful skateboarders don't like the design of the quarter MILLION DOLLAR park being built, why don't they do what the generation before them did - raise the project money THEMSELVES and hire a company to construct the park. Lots of work?? Lots of money?? Yes - so pony up, or shut up, boarders!!
July 1, 2010 at 4:17 PM Report abuse
XPortlander said...
AYUH23 you are a complete moron...the golf course is the only and I mean only thing that makes money in Portland.The inteeligence of a skate boarder shining through.
July 1, 2010 at 4:18 PM Report abuse
U2thdGVNYWluZQ%3D%3D said...
My bad Paul, I didn't realize you were 2 years old, I'll dumb down my post for you next time.
July 1, 2010 at 4:19 PM Report abuse
lossforwords said...
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the idea behind a skate plaza... http://robdyrdekfoundation.org/video/video/dc-skate-plaza-grand-opening/
July 1, 2010 at 4:29 PM Report abuse
lossforwords said...
direct link to the youtube video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG78q2DN0N0
July 1, 2010 at 4:30 PM Report abuse
Mainer said...
I cannot believe the city of Portland is actually putting $150,000 of tax payers money into this project! What are they thinking?? Wasting tax dollars like this especially in these economic times is unacceptable!!!
July 1, 2010 at 4:42 PM Report abuse
accolade said...
"Olderthandust" - In response to your assault on the character of those who disagree with the park design. I question weather or not you even read the article. A park was designed that EVERYBODY liked. It was awesome. Then the design was changed, the park was made smaller and nobody likes it. Why is it being built??? If you we're hungry and I presented you with an apple and then switched it with a lump of coal to eat - I would not fault you for not eating it and call you ungrateful. Can you understand that analogy???
July 1, 2010 at 4:51 PM Report abuse
Jeff said...
Only today's entitled snot nose punks would complain about something nice being provided for them for free.
July 1, 2010 at 6:07 PM Report abuse
Jimbo said...
Total sour grapes on Tom Noble's part ... move on already and get over it. You weren't awarded this project. There'll be other opportunities for you, but not if you carry on like a whiny spoiled brat.
July 1, 2010 at 6:22 PM Report abuse
Creteskater said...
Jeff- can u understand anything? The kids ordered a 3' Hoagie and are getting a 6" Veggie at Subway. No one is looking the gift horses in the mouth just asking for what had already been decided upon, voted and announced. You order and pay for a new Cadillac and get a used Hyundai... order and pay for HD cable and get a set of rabbit ears... is any of this making sense?
July 1, 2010 at 6:25 PM Report abuse
Ym9ybmN5bmlj said...
whatever.
July 1, 2010 at 7:02 PM Report abuse
sandman21 said...
Alert: Obama Says Border Is Secure Ignore The Reports That Illegal Are Crossing In Greater Numbers. Then Tells AZ Sen. Kyl He Will Hold The Border Security Of the United States Hostage to Amnesty For Illegals Risking Innocent American Lives In A Cat and Mouse Compromise of National Security. Oboma will help this a city for folks from way away
July 1, 2010 at 10:10 PM Report abuse
sandman21 said...
jo said... What a waste of money- at least my town spent 250k on a useless windmill that is currently out of order Yes but Jo Saco bough the windmill from a company which is now out of busness. Know one is going to fix it and who is going to pay to take it down. Saco has the "best and britest"
July 1, 2010 at 10:13 PM Report abuse
shredder said...
To those people that think skateboarders don't have jobs and blah blah blah How lame are you? Did you forget what it was like to go out and have fun? All the skaters I know have jobs. Some people get so distant from their childhood. Growing up and acting your age is lame. Live life and stop complaining about people who actually enjoy their life. All you people who complain about something as petty as skateboarding must hate your jobs and have a terrible home life.
July 2, 2010 at 1:39 PM Report abuse
a3lsZXdoYWxvbg%3D%3D said...
hey portlander, shut ur mouth. how dare u haqve no right to label us just because we skate, i happen to work with numbers all day while building and from the sound of ur immature ignorant responses i can almost garuntee my IQ is higher than yours. and jeff if the analogies all these "snot nosed skateboarders" are presenting to you are flying over ur head then i suggest u shut ur mouth too. dont just half listen to the debate. find out the facts before u have an opinion
July 3, 2010 at 6:42 PM Report abuse