This is How they do it in Providence
Posted by Joshua Jude, November 11th, 2009.
Providence, capital of Rhode Island, has a population of 171,557, but surrounding metropolitan population of over a million and a half according to the Office of Management and Budget. Cities of this size rarely cater toward skateboarders in the downtown area. But Providence, near their Kennedy Plaza (smack dab in the middle of downtown) has this interesting structure: a winter ice rink and summer and fall skatepark. This could be a really cool idea for the Northfield ice rink if the skatepark doesn’t get off the ground in the near future. A good flat and smooth surface with the space to add jumps and accessories is all that is needed. This place was packed at 8:30pm in late October. Youth are very happy with the arrangement of the city and are extremely happy with the level of support they have received with this project.
Many parents and other adults were watching the skateboarders and a few bikers work their artform. I wish more downtowns would do things like this. How cool would a downtown rink/skatepark be? This park was not the only park in Providence but did provide some very cool variety.