Skatepark of Baltimore Close to Goal of $75,000

Skatepark of Baltimore has been a hope and dream for some years now. The skaters have never had an official place to skateboard without getting hassled. We've had Ridge which was an abandoned lumber yard that we took over and built skate ledges and ramps. Essentially we built our own skatepark. The Hampden Rec Center is another deal similar to that. The city gave us a spot and skaters evolved a piece of asphalt into a skatepark. These places are where we stay out of trouble and don't get hassled by police. They already took Ridge away from us so now we don't have much left. There have been efforts to build a concrete plaza in Hampden. Stephanie Murdock, the founder of SOB has been raising money for some years now. People have donated money here and there, the Tony Hawk Foundation recently donated $25,000 in proceeds to the park. We've reached about $60,000 and we need $75,000 in order for the city to match that amount and then we get the skatepark. The only issue is the deadline for that grant with the city is May 31, so with the clock ticking we are trying are hardest to come up with the money. If you feel you would like to support the skateboarders in Baltimore then go to this website and donate money here. Time is running out and we could use all the help we can get!

-Hugh


http://www.skateparkofbaltimore.com/

http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/baltimorecounty/neighborhoods/hampden/ph-ms-skatepark-0517-20120511,0,957064.story

3Ride Skate Shop Reopens Its Doors

3Ride Skate Shop has been around since 2001 owned and operated by Carrington Sydnor. It originally got its name because they sold three different types of sports at the shop: Skateboards, snowboards, and bicycles. Its original location was tucked behind some buildings in Timonium. Probably not the greatest location so they moved to 5918 York Road, Baltimore, MD. This location is neighboring to Zen West and the Senator Theatre. Business was thriving for awhile but as time went on the shop was beginning to become hard to withhold. Carrington isn't the wealthiest man in the world but he had a passion for skateboarding and providing quality products to the people. In 2012, he announced that he would no long be able to run the shop because it was too hard for him to make a living and support a family with the income that 3Ride was bringing in. March of 2012 was scary because no one knew if the shop would stay open. Things were getting sad around there, he would almost be giving things away for free because he knew in the end it was the skaters who would always be around and that is what keeps a shop going. Low and behold by April a man stepped up to the plate, Rich Pugh, the owner of Johnny Rads Pizza and Bar. This is a skate bar downtown where people like us feel at home. The shop was closed for about a month because inventory was extremely low but by May the shop began to be fully functioning once more. It's truly a blessing to have good people out there who have a passion to provide to others a need that all of us skateboarders appreciate. Come check out the shop its fully stocked!     http://www.3rideshop.com/3_RIDESHOP_%7C_Baltimores_Skate_and_Snow_Shop_.html

Rockstar Bearings Welcomes Justin Medero

In March, my ex-neighbor and good friend was sponsored by Rockstar Bearings. His name is Justin Medero. There are a lot of great recognized skateboarders in Baltimore but no one that skates like "Mad Air Yo."Watching a video of him skating makes you want to jump off your computer, grab your skateboard, and go shred the streets. His tricks you won't see from any other skaters in Baltimore. They will "bloggle your mind." Whether he is double grinding two dumpsters or doing a foot plant on a tree his stuff is inspiring to watch. The creativity from each trick makes you wonder where in that dreadlocked brain of his did he think of such ridiculous stuff. And that is just his skating. Off the skateboard this kid is a ball of energy. He is the guy who is going to jump off the couch with an idea and be ready to make action or pull you up off the ground and give you the inspiration to land the trick. My friends, may we present to you, Justin Medero. Please watch his brand new skate part welcoming him to the RockStar Team. This kid is truly a rockstar. http://vimeo.com/42238754
-Hugh