2/24/2020
SkatePost#23
A hiatus broken nonetheless, but for a reason far greater than myself.
On February 22nd, 2020, the local skaters of all ages and members alike joined together at the James F. Lynch DIY Park in South Omaha.
This congregation was made in order to show the city that the once abandoned tennis court is a legitimate space not only for local skateboarders, but anyone with the capacity to express oneself, regardless of their choice of sport.
On that day many pitched in to provide food, drink, entertainment, and a heartfelt atmosphere for the community along with a classic skate jam packed with skaters varying in experience.
In September of 2018, I experienced for the first time an event that gave back to the skate community of Omaha and expected nothing in return. I witnessed several kids who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford new parts, or an entire skateboard if it were not for the combined efforts of companies and organizations like Silo Skate Shop, Precision Skate Shop , Backyard Skateboards, ATM Skateboards, Civic Nebraska and Rabble Mill.
These are not the first times that James F. Lynch Park has been the home of community events like this one. And in all my bias, I am able to say that this space would have been able to provide the community with a safe space for future gatherings large and small.
On February 24th, 2020, videos and images surfaced of city construction crews tearing down the ramps and obstacles at Lynch Park despite the communities efforts.
Variables like the extreme lack of public transportation from parts of South Omaha to places like Seymour Smith Skatepark, Roberts Skatepark, or any other sanctioned area in the city to skate along with sidewalks to safely guide children, teens, and adult skaters to the destinations puts the ball in the court of Omaha, Nebraska.
There is much more to be said and to be heard, but not just from me. Many voices in this community span the age range from Elementary School children to Adults nearing or past their late 20′s and beyond.
For the city to respond in a destructive method silenced these voices, and removed the chance for them to speak up and express themselves.
