By Gene Galin
Pittsboro, NC – A new skate park in Pittsboro has opened up, providing a fresh venue for local skateboarders to showcase their skills. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 20 at 10 am. Professional scooter rider Jon Reyes, who has been in the sport since 2002, visited the park with me for a walk around. He shared his insights on its design, functionality, and the culture surrounding the sport. “I always like going to spots, and even if I can’t ride them, I like to imagine what I can do,” he explains. As the skateboarding community grows in Chatham County, this new facility is poised to become a central hub for enthusiasts of all ages.
A Ride Through History: Jon Reyes and His Journey
Jon Reyes embarked on his scootering journey at the age of 14. His initial exposure to scooters came in 2002 when Razor scooters hit the market. “It wasn’t really a sport; it was just this foldable thing where kids could get around,” Reyes recalls. His father gifted him a scooter, and what began as a means of transportation in Queens quickly evolved into a passion for tricks and stunts.
Reyes describes his early experiences with scootering as a natural progression, stating, “I never even saw a scooter video. I was like, I wonder if I could just jump off a curb with this thing without it breaking.” This curiosity led him to explore the limits of his scooter, ultimately igniting a lifelong obsession. As Reyes puts it, “I’m the last dinosaur,” highlighting his status as one of the oldest professional scooter riders still active today.
The Pittsboro Skate Park: First Impressions
Upon opening, the Pittsboro skate park drew Reyes’s attention for its design and potential. Despite being relatively small, he noted that it allows for multiple riders to use different features simultaneously without the risk of collisions. “It takes a genius to make a small skate park work,” Reyes stated, emphasizing the importance of flow in skate park design. “Flow means being able to ride around the park without pushing, maintaining speed to hit the next obstacle.”
This concept is crucial for creating a smooth riding experience, allowing riders to maintain momentum and seamlessly transition between obstacles. The park’s layout allows for multiple riders to enjoy the space simultaneously without the risk of collisions, which is impressive for a smaller facility. “Most parks, even if they’re bigger, sometimes don’t actually solve that,” he explains, highlighting the importance of thoughtful design in skate park construction. “I can already see three to four people getting in lines at the same time without crashing into each other,” Reyes notes.
The park’s concrete surface adds to its appeal, as Reyes explained that concrete parks tend to have a longer lifespan and provide a better riding experience compared to wooden parks, which often require more maintenance. “This park has that fresh feel, and I can already see the flow it offers,” he added.
The Importance of Skate Park Etiquette
As with any sport, etiquette plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone involved. Reyes highlighted the importance of respecting fellow riders, regardless of their skill level. “Be respectful of every single human in the facility,” he advised. This respect fosters a sense of community, allowing riders to bond over their shared passion. “If we both came here and we were doing the exact same thing, we would instantly be friends,” he remarks, illustrating how shared experiences can lead to friendships within the skateboarding community.
He also mentioned the friendly banter that often occurs among riders, which can serve as a bonding experience rather than a source of conflict. “The more crowded the skatepark, the more confrontation at first, but those interactions often lead to friendships,” he noted.
Safety First: The Importance of Protective Gear
Safety is paramount in action sports, and Reyes advocates for the use of protective gear. “Helmets save lives,” he asserts, sharing his own experiences with injuries and the importance of being cautious. While he occasionally rides without a helmet when feeling confident, he advises that riders should prioritize safety, especially when attempting new tricks.
Reyes recommends certified helmets and mobility-friendly elbow and knee pads to ensure riders can move freely while still being protected. “Having that mobility to move freely when you’re landing tricks or falling is most important,” he explains, emphasizing the balance between safety and performance.
Exploring the Park’s Features
The Pittsboro skate park features a variety of ramps and obstacles designed to cater to different skill levels and riding styles. Reyes pointed out that starting from the corners of the park allows riders to gain speed and set up for tricks effectively. The park includes ramps reminiscent of classic designs, encouraging aerial maneuvers and creative line choices.
As Jon and I walked around the park, he visualized potential tricks and lines, demonstrating the mental preparation that professional riders engage in. “You can hit this ramp, land, and maintain speed to hit the next one,” he explained, indicating the importance of flow in maximizing the park’s features.
One of his favorite features is the hip, a type of ramp that allows riders to transfer from one side to another. “I love hips,” Reyes shares, reminiscing about his experiences learning tricks on similar structures in New York. The park’s layout encourages creativity and exploration, enabling riders to develop their skills.
The Future of Pittsboro’s Skate Community
With the opening of this new skate park, Reyes expressed optimism about the park’s potential to foster a vibrant skate culture in the area. “I can see this park becoming a hub for riders, where they can come together, learn from each other, and grow as athletes,” he said.
As the sport continues to evolve, facilities like the Pittsboro skate park will play a vital role in accommodating the needs of both novice and experienced riders. Reyes’s enthusiasm for the new park and the opportunities it presents serves as a reminder of the joy and camaraderie that a skate park can bring to communities.
With its thoughtful design, emphasis on safety, and focus on fostering community, the Pittsboro skate park is poised to become a beloved destination for action sports enthusiasts in the area.