4.7.98

Lobbying for a Skatepark

My name is Jeff Krysiak, and I am man behind the Midwest Edge Skatepark. My plans are to open a skatepark, in the Milwaukee area, with all the riders in mind. I have been asked to talk about what my drive is for doing this. I have put together a few paragraphs, and hopefully you can understand my motives.

I have been skating for around 12 years or so. I grew up, with a nice driveway, and tons of friends that would come over to skate. Everyday after school, we would pull out my launch ramps, and slider bars and have a session. This went on over the years, and I saw an opportunity to build a half-pipe in a barn. I was in 7th grade, and I began raising the money from all my friends. After months, of saving and cutting lawns, and raking, we bought some wood. At the end of the 8th grade we were skating it every weekend.

Next thing happened, I started building more and more ramps for friends. I soon, would build a ramp, and skate it, and sell it. I learned that building ramps, and skating them was pretty fun. Years later, a local skateshop built a half-pipe. It was pretty wide, and always had lots of good skaters riding it. Meanwhile all this was happening, during the winters, we would go to the TURF to skate. It was a 2 hour drive for us, and usually consisted of leaving at 6:45am to make the 9 am session on Saturdays. Our parents, would take turns driving us down there.

First time at the TURF, really burned something in my brain. I saw all these kids, riding, and having so much fun. I knew I wanted to be charge of something like that. I couldn't believe how many kids where riding, and how everybody was having so much fun. I still can hear the music, and echo of the carving sounds.

I have toyed around with the idea of opening a park for years. I now have the time, and location finally in mind. I picked Milwaukee because of the size, and location. I would like to have a park, that sticks around many years. During the past summer, I skated several times at the Skatepark of Tampa. I was impressed, and thought I could start something like that in the Midwest. I wanted to see all there kids riding and having a good time. I want to create a positive image of a skatepark, in the community. These days kids have a mounting world around them. I was in that same boat, and skating gave me confidence, and taught me how to handle a challenge. I think I can give many kids a chance to gain some of that confidence. It may sound strange, but skating is a good thing. I want others to know about that.

Right now the park is going ok. I have a few checks sneak in each week, and as more people become aware of it, the sooner it will happen. I have spoke with several local parents in the area, they are behind me. I plan on making an increased effort to distribute all literature the week of April 20th. My web site, is the hub for all information. Please check out the website, and e-mail me with any questions or concerns. Please mention this to other riders, your help is what will keep this park alive.

-Jeff