I have skated Freedom Plaza. I actually had a long conversation recently (right before I put out this article) with a friend who grew up skating Freedom Plaza. I was telling him about what I had written so then we were discussing how the skate traffic generally tends to move in Pulaski. Where the locals sit and post up versus where skaters from out of town might sit and linger. Things like that. I’ve only skated Freedom Plaza twice so it was cool to hear the little intricacies only the locals know.
This was super interesting and really comprehensive.
I like the way you provided diagrams of skaters movements and the shadow the ledges cast — that was great!
This really made me wonder how much planning actually goes into the construction of modern skate parks in the way of considering the movements and directions of skaters. As I find lots of parks are laid in a way that causes ‘bottlenecks’ which cause congestion issues.
I don’t think any planning at all goes into the way multiple skaters will move in a skatepark at the same time. But I think how one skater will move through the park at a time is meticulously considered.
Thanks JR. Glad you enjoyed the article.
I have skated Freedom Plaza. I actually had a long conversation recently (right before I put out this article) with a friend who grew up skating Freedom Plaza. I was telling him about what I had written so then we were discussing how the skate traffic generally tends to move in Pulaski. Where the locals sit and post up versus where skaters from out of town might sit and linger. Things like that. I’ve only skated Freedom Plaza twice so it was cool to hear the little intricacies only the locals know.
Have you ever skated Freedom Plaza in DC? this article essentially captures why it's perfect... loved reading it
This was super interesting and really comprehensive.
I like the way you provided diagrams of skaters movements and the shadow the ledges cast — that was great!
This really made me wonder how much planning actually goes into the construction of modern skate parks in the way of considering the movements and directions of skaters. As I find lots of parks are laid in a way that causes ‘bottlenecks’ which cause congestion issues.
Thanks Michael,
I don’t think any planning at all goes into the way multiple skaters will move in a skatepark at the same time. But I think how one skater will move through the park at a time is meticulously considered.
I agree! Which is, of course, not how most parks are used.