Growing up in a small town with a Class 3A high school, I had plenty of opportunities to participate in traditional sports. We didn’t have to try out, we just told the coach — who usually doubled as the science, history or government teacher — that we wanted to be on the team.
In College Station, the sheer size of the school district requires kids to try out for sports teams and some kids don’t make the cut. That’s why the Parks and Recreation Department works hard to encourage alternatives such as skateboarding. The G. Hysmith Skate Park, which opened in 2011, is one of the nation’s premiere skate parks and integrates street, bowl and pool elements, forming a perfect combination for skaters of all skill levels.
Earlier this month, the City of College Station – along with Pepsico, C-Ment, HEB, Clockwork Games, Rock 103.9 and 101.9 The Beat – played host to the first Come & Skate It event. With about 1,000 spectators cheering them on, 88 participants from 6 to 26 years old competed in six events. The festival-type atmosphere created the perfect day — until it rained!
You may have missed this year’s competition, but we still have some leftover event t-shirts for sale for $10. If you get a chance, drop by the Southwood Community Center or the Parks and Recreation office at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park to pick one up.
Next year’s Come & Skate It event promises to be even better, so come out to Hysmith Skate Park and start perfecting those grinds, flips and slides!
What did you think of the inaugural Come & Skate It event?
