EDGEWOOD’S GRAND RE-OPENING
EDGEWOOD UNVEILS ITS NEW AND IMPROVED SKATEPARK.
Constructed by Rampage LLC - a contractor and owner of the retail skate shop located in Bridgeport, Connecticut (my old stomping grounds) - Edgewood’s renovations were finally unveiled on April 19th.
Video by @connorlowe via @plush96orange instagram
Located on the Historic West End of New Haven, the skatepark has been a critical part of the city and its history.
The build itself heavily prioritized design elements that mimicked common infrastructure found throughout the city, like benches or rails. Developing the design based on these elements removes the risk of skaters butting heads with authorities in common spaces that prohibit skateboarding.
As explained by Noe Jiminez (artist, skater, and current manager of the skateparks socials), the new build focuses less on the specific needs of the advanced skater and offers a more beginner-friendly approach to skating. The open layout offers new skaters the ability to enjoy the park without worrying about skill level or separation from their peers.
Photos by @Junglexjulia
“New Haven’s infrastructure has grown drastically since Edgewood’s Build. Several Skateparks have been built, and businesses like Plush & The Devil’s Gear serve as skate hubs across the city.”
Established in 2000, Edgewood’s renovations and design were the brainchild of its attendees.
Contributors to the build included:
Ben Berkowitz - a New Haven skater, founder of SeeClickFlix, and advocate for his fellow skaters.
Bobby Murphy - a skate legend & Engineer - who offered to design the park for free.
& The team behind Rampage LLC for its contractors and willingness to execute the project.
Skateboarding as a community-building activity has a rich history in New Haven and contributes significantly to the intersection of art and Sports.
Skateboarding is an art form.
Its place in the art world has been solidified, and as a result, these parks are imperative to the community. They act as a meeting place for creative minds.
As the next generations get to experience the foundation laid by their predecessors- it’ll be exciting to see what grows there.
