On a cloudy Tuesday afternoon, the makeshift skatepark at Desert Breeze Park became the center of attention as local skaters expressed their frustration over an impending closure.
The informal park, positioned near Durango Drive and Spring Mountain Road, has been a cherished community space for street skaters. Built on a roller hockey rink, the park features ramps, bowls, and ledges that have been crafted by local skaters using discarded materials.
Skaters often contribute to the park by leaving behind old skateboard parts and tools for others to utilize, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among users.
However, on Monday, news broke that Clark County officials were inspecting the park, raising concerns about the future of the makeshift skatepark. Jennifer Cooper, chief communications and strategy officer for Clark County, confirmed in an email that the unauthorized installations would be dismantled due to safety risks, although a removal date has not yet been set.
Local skaters have reacted with disappointment and concern about losing a space that has become integral to their skating culture. Wesley Madill, a 14-year-old skater, highlighted the importance of the park, stating that he has frequented it for the past three years due to its proximity to his home and its welcoming atmosphere for beginners.
“I really don’t like it. I would hope that they keep it here,” Madill expressed, underscoring the emotional connection many skaters have with the makeshift park.
Dylan Young, another skater aged 13, echoed Madill’s sentiments, dismissing any major safety concerns regarding the makeshift park. Young acknowledged that falling is part of skateboarding and emphasized the camaraderie that exists among skaters within the park.
“Everyone’s friends. Everyone cheers people on here,” he said, highlighting the supportive community fostered in the makeshift skatepark.
In stark contrast, the official Clark County skatepark, located just a couple of hundred feet away, has faced its own set of challenges, including muddy conditions and visible wear and tear. With cracked concrete and inadequate facilities, some skaters argue that the county’s official park is failing to meet the needs of its users.
Zach “Lue” Stephenson, a seasoned skater at 29, voiced frustrations over the lack of maintenance and design considerations at the county facility. He mentioned that the county skatepark has needed renovations for some time, lamenting the subpar conditions of the rails and bowls.
Stephenson believes that if the makeshift park were to close, it would be likely for another similar space to emerge elsewhere in the city. He criticized city officials for their perceived unwillingness to invest in a quality construction team that could create a park that caters to skaters’ needs.
“The truth is the city is too cheap to find an actual good construction team that’s going to do the park justice,” Stephenson commented.
Ultimately, the impending closure of the makeshift skatepark reflects a broader issue concerning community space, skateboarding culture, and the needs of local skaters in the area.
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