Lexington Skate Lessons
On Sunday, March 6, 2022, the Greater Rockbridge County Skateboarder Coalition held skate lessons in the Lexington Skate Park from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.. Three instructors taught a variety of kids from all ages about how to skate. Lance Branham, Micheal Berry, and Jason Kerr instructed the kids through lessons about goofy versus regular foot riding, pivoting the board, and freestyle skating. This was one of their more plentiful turnouts since the Lexington Skate Jam, with over 20 kids involved.
Mary Halseth, having a key role in the advancements of the park, was astonished at the turnout.
“We have never had skateboard lessons here before. Over 20 kids came for the first time ever,” said Halseth. “It shows how there is a need for a skatepark in Lexington.”
This organization is pushing for the skatepark’s advancement to a new, improved place for skating. While having a large turnout with many skaters during this event, nutrition is encouraged. Therefore, the GRCSC provided water bottles, apples, and other fruits for refreshment and nourishment. Other than food, the organization gave out free helmets for the youth along with loaner skateboards.
These skateboards, called morf boards, are multi-functional with an attachable handle which makes learning easier. It was given to them for their monthly skate sessions to allow kids who do not have boards to ride.
Live Healthy Rockbridge Kids, a non-profit organization, gains avenue and attention for their business through assisting the lessons. This event opens up more chances for non-profits like Live Healthy and GRCSC to prosper and spread the word.
On the same topic, there is a bigger picture in their assistance toward the skate park. Raising awareness for the full utilization of the park is their goal. As it is heavily neglected as an important part of the city and not supported widely for improvements, it is a challenge for supporters to contribute with getting major affects.
After the event, Branham talked about the park and his first statement in arrival to the scene was about a time he never forgot.
“It wasn’t me,” said Branham.
Even though it may sound like a weird response to a greeting, it has an important background. Growing up in Rockbridge County during the late 1970s-90s where the only skate park was in Buena Vista, it was tough for skaters to get around. Most police were hecklers on skaters on the main road or sidewalk; therefore an outlet was needed. At this point, with an outlet(being the skate park), skaters can go without being subjected to restrictions to skate. However, the real question is what is there for them. Besides an asphalt bottom, concrete and metal rails, donated and made by GRCSC, and a rusty ramp; there is not much there for improvement and enjoyment.
Branham is attempting to plant seeds for a brighter future. For all future skaters who take on this ‘alternative activity,’ an outlet for them is required. Taking away time from video games, sports, or unfavorable hobbies, gives an additional opportunity to participate in getting physical activity and having a way for enjoyment. He compares the restrictions on widening the park’s availability versus the effects of having ‘hand-cuffs’ that slow the steadily-working hands to get a faster outcome.
“Lack of park decimated the skater population,” said Branham.
More of the park is their main focus and reaching out toward the right crowd to give them an opportunity to a ‘brighter future.’ In May of this year, a half-pipe will be built and placed as a historical piece of the Lexington Skate Park and all of their contributions.
