A little history...

For the last four years, the skateboarders in the small town of Glacier have been slowly building a spot to skate at. The location of this "skate spot" has had a long history of being a site for dumping, shooting, 4x4, etc., as well as a resting place for tons of processed coal.




With the model of the world famous D I Y park, Burnside, and a derelict area complete with a pile of fill, barriers, and a concrete pad. Not to mention the reputation of being a dump. It seemed like a good idea to turn the area into a little skate spot. With a basic "bank to barrier" plan we made our first feature, and it worked! Other skaters began to help and get involved, fueling the ideas and giving us our purpose. To build our own spot to skate at. We built very slowly in the first few years, assuming the end would have come sooner. Our dreams were cast and we continued turning our visions into reality. Building cinder block walls where we proposed new features and loving what we had already built. Finally, we didn't have to drive an hour to skate concrete! Energized by our accomplishments, we began to scour the county for unused material. Finding everything we needed from cinder blocks to rebar, fencing, wood, and rubble. In fact the entire project is built from recycled, salvaged, and donated materials. We went on eyeballing our transitions and just going for it! A big step that opened doors to how much could get done at once was getting the first left over concrete from a concrete truck. Which is nothing new, they did it in the beginning at Burnside... Around this time the addition to the skatepark in Bellingham was being built by Drealmland Skateparks which is run by Mark Scott, a Burnside Pioneer. On a random day, I happened to be at the Coal Pad when Sage Bolyard (another one of Burnside's pioneers) and a couple of crew members from the Bellingham Project showed up for a little inspection. After some coaching,our mistakes were apparent and we knew what had to be done next... At the beginning of this summer, we poured a new quarter pipe. Support, as well as use of the spot boomed. Everyday would bring wide eyed visitors and returning kids of all ages. To our delight, parents from towns down the road who had heard rumors of a place where they could bring their kids to skate began showing up regularly. The vibe was very positive and we were very optimistic, so we continued to build, making it bigger and better. We have seen an impressive following and limitless support from every one who has seen the place in action. This summer has seen an unmatched positive community involvement from many aspects, from parents to business owners. Creating a sense of pride and unity for all involved, skateboarder and non skaters alike. Not to mention enthusiasts from Bellingham and beyond who venture out take a look, skate, and maybe even lend a hand.Unfortunately, the unfinished terrain which we've been striving to complete is in jeopardy, and the possibility of losing our beloved spot looms overhead. The land our project lies on has foreclosed and was sold to an unknowing individual in a public land auction. Whatcom County Planning and Development is fining the him thousands for the facility we've built without permit. He is sympathetic to our situation, but the possibility remains that he must destroy our work to avoid fines. He would like to see Glacier get its own skatepark from the county, if our project can not be legitimized. Which is unlikely and the product won't be quite as original as The Coal Pad. Our project has also unified many community members becoming an important asset. The appeal of a D I Y park is the sense of ownership by it's users. We have kept the spot cleaned up and it is now a respected area. Everyone involved has felt a sense of pride, and accomplishment after big work days. We are looking for alternatives to having our "skatepark" bulldozed. The best case scenario would see the land donated, and the proper actions taken in order to continue. Setting up a Non Profit Organization to raise and handle funds could be a possibility, perhaps the NPO could buy the Coal Pad. An important aspect is to keep the skateboarders in control of the project. Self policed and maintained by the skaters for the skaters! Thanks to everyone who has let us use their tools and to all who have helped in any way!!!!
Please contact me at bgwmiller@hotmail.com or 360-599-2378