URBANA — Champaign County’s skateboarding scene looks a lot different now than it did a few years ago. So says Skeuwep skate shop owner Andrew Valentine, a lifelong skater who is at the front of the charge to build new skating facilities in Urbana. “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” Valentine said.
“Skateboarding is, in my opinion, the best thing ever, but has also suffered from certain stereotypes and stigmas, which I think is also (why) we don’t have a skate park yet and whatnot.” Brian Dunn — who started skating at the age of 26 and now helps extend the life of old skateboards through No Board Left Behind — seconds the sentiment. “In my opinion, it got a little bit less, like, bro-y,” Dunn said.
“A little more open, you started seeing more women skaters, more trans (and) LGBTQ skaters. “It went from something where it was kinda like car kids with flat-billed hats that might say something homophobic to a really open and accepting community.” But there aren’t many places for locals to put their skills to the test in a controlled environment.
Skateboarding facilities at Spalding Park in Champaign were built more than two decades ago. Sunset Ridge Skate Park in north Champaign can be a bit of a trek for young skaters. Then there are an array of parking garages and DIY setups.
Valentine’s mission is to change that. He — along with other local skaters — left 116 emails with Urbana aldermen before the city’s council meeting on Nov. 30.
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