Save the Skatepark

The only silver lining in the wake of the I-85 bridge fire collapse is the unveiling of a clandestine skatepark. The secret is out and Georgia state officials have indefinitely shutdown the park. As early as next week, the agency is willing to sit down with the community to discuss the permitting process. Scott Higley (a spokesperson for GDOT) has stated that nothing is off the table at this point. If we could get enough supporters then the state officials may agree to save the park.

Out-of-the-inferno comes an opportunity to revitalize an area that has great potential to be an amenity enjoyed by all Atlantans and travelers alike. The Beltline has proven to be very popular with Atlanta residents as well as visitors to the city. The goal of the Beltline is to connect the city in a pedestrian friendly manner. The skatepark is located along South Fork Peachtree Creek. On the other side of the creek is an existing walking trail called Confluence Trail. As the Beltline develops and our city becomes more connected through these trails the skatepark could be preserved as a point of interest for the Northside Trail.

Other cities in our nation have been repurposing the underbellies of their expressways for decades. Some of our nation's most famous skateparks reside under interstates. Burnside Skatepark in Portland was built by the skateboard community without permission and eventually the city approved the area as a public skatepark.

Skateparks provide a space for positive healthy activity. They also keep a lot of young kids out of trouble. As a Atlantan and passionate skater I urge everyone to please sign my petition.

Thanks! Shred on!