the Coal Pad D I Y skate spot

Media Blitz

2011-09-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

Brice Niebuhr, FS disaster

the stuff DIY parks are made of..

Splatt, ollie in

Some long awaited photo bloggage. Photos: Brooks Fritz. Thanks!

Contest results

2011-09-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

have been long overdue. The benefit weekend went great! We raised a good chunk of loot to fuel the project. Thanks to all our helpers and sponsors who made these events possible.

14 and under: Dryw Hopps 1st, Bryant Quinton 2nd, & Sawyer Sorgentrei 3rd place.

14-19: Domonic O'Conner 1st, Elliot Crakr 2nd, and Evan Punnell 3rd..

20+: Charlie Krieg 1st, Jeff Muirhead 2nd, Danny Lindsay/Chatch Law tied for 3rd, and Al Sandlin/ Seamus O'Conner tied at 4th..

Best Trick: Seamus O'Conner- switch FS bigspin down the the infamous corner, and a nameless young gun won a deck for solid kickflips too.

Bowl Jam: Chase Griffen 1st, ripper known only as Victor from Mukilteo 2nd, and John Aguilar 3rd

Everything went smoothly, and people who deserved it, scored stuff... Thanks!

Benefit Show

2011-08-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

at The Shakedown on Sat. August 20th. Doors at 9pm. Bands will be Todos Somos Lee, Devilry, and Terero. There will be a raffle of stuff that you might like!! The following day will be a contest at the Bellingham Skatepark!! Sign up begin at 10 am. It's going to be a full weekend of festivities in the name of DIY, and good intentions! Thanks to all the generous sponsors who have contributed prizes, the "gas for the fire"...

Benefit Contest

2011-08-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

at the Bellingham skatepark! August 21. Also a show the night before at the Shakedown. Bands are Todos Somos Lee, Devilry, and Terero. Donate today, skate tomorrow... show flyer in the pipeline.

Our file is being dusted off and reactivated

2011-07-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

at the Whatcom County Dept. of Planning and Development! After much waiting and anticipation...

coping form work..

donated eco blocks..

We dropped the ball on the June 21st contest (obviously), but we have a weekend event in the works for August 20 - 21. A show is planned at the "Shakedown", Bellingham's new hot spot on State St... Bands are Tear a Man Apart, Devilry, and Todos Somos Lee. The following day, we will actually come through with a contest at the Bellingham Skatepark. More news is on the way...

...

2011-06-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

site plans..

Our friends down at Marginal Way are having a show too, and so is the Grand Daddy of DIY parks...

"Showdown on Sacred Ground, July 2nd, and then BIG Work Party, July 3rd
'(come help)'"

and an old one...

Marginal Way Benefit.

2011-04-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

Our friends down at Marginal are having a fund raiser.. Be there if you can. "Donate today! Skate it tomorrow!" I like the sound of that.

Things are still happening!

2011-04-01T01:22:00.000-07:00

Our public notice that we are applying for zoning with Whatcom County...

(L8289) WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A ZONING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND OPTIONAL DNS PROCESS Notice is hereby given: Authorized Agent: Dannon Traxler of Langbeer & Tull, on behalf of Glacier Skate Park Association, submitted an application for a zoning Conditional Use Permit (CUP2011-00003) on February 24, 2011 to legalize an existing concrete skateboard park in Deming, Washington. The proposed project is located near the 9989 block of Mt. Baker Highway, within Section 7, Township 39N, Range 7E, W.M., and Assessor's Parcel Number: 390707499448. The application was determined to be complete on March 8, 2011. The proposal will be reviewed under the official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance and Critical Areas Ordinance. The project may also require Whatcom County Building Services, Engineering, Fire, Transportation and Health Department reviews. This project will utilize the optional DNS process allowed under SEPA pursuant to WAC 197-11-355. Whatcom County expects to issue a DNS for this proposal. This may be the only opportunity to comment on the environmental impacts regarding this project. The file and supporting documents may be viewed at Whatcom County Planning and Development Services, 5280 Northwest Drive, Bellingham, Washington, 98226. Any person may submit written comments to Suzanne Bosman at the above address or at Sbosman@co.whatcom.wa.us, within 15 days of the publication of this notice. Written comments for the CUP and/or SEPA determination must be received by April 15, 2011. Any person has the right to receive notice of and participate in any hearings, request a copy of the decision once made, and to appeal a decision when allowed by law. Any person wishing to receive personal notice of any hearings must notify the Hearing Examiner's office in writing at 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225, or by phone @ (360) 676-6794 ext. 50171 within 15 days of the notice of application.

Read more:http://www.bellinghamherald.com/classified-ads/ad/1362915#ixzz1IJEt0ukz

Donate through the mail...

2011-02-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

DONATIONS:
Can be made by check or money order, and are TAX DEDUCT-ABLE. Made out to The Whatcom Parks and Recreation Foundation, please label that the submission is for the Glacier Skatepark Association. The WPRF will issue a letter of thanks and a receipt with tax info... THANK YOU for any help.

The Whacom Parks and Rec Foundation
P.O. Box 29963
Bellingham, WA 98228

A couple snaps from the show

2011-02-02T10:21:00.000-08:00

we had in Glacier at the end of January... Thanks to North West Snowboards in Tacoma for hookin' up raffle goodies! Additional thank you's to Sugar x3, Phreddy and the Nightmares, Pete at Chair 9, and everyone who came out. See you at the next one!

Another show..

2010-12-31T01:49:00.000-08:00

Already in the works! At Chair 9 in Glacier, January 22nd.

Pics from our benefit show:

2010-12-24T16:15:00.000-08:00

Todos Somos Lee

Early Christmas for some

Sizing up the mondo prize zone...

The Raffle Department came through!
Photos: Matt French

Thank you to everyone who came out to

2010-12-17T23:57:00.000-08:00

our show at the Wild Buffalo! It was a huge success! Much gratitude to these sponsors: SAUCE Skatezine, Volcom, Pocket Pistols Skates, Jivaro Wheels, Shrunkenhead Skateshop, Lib Tech, Washington Windsports, NHS, Sabbath Tattoo, and One Ball Jay. Big thanks to these helping hands: POD, Matt French, Ani Hall, Sean Herrand, Mandy Nadeau, Todos Somos Lee, Ship to Ship, Baltic Cousins, Jared Smith, John Kingsley, Chas Malich, John Overly, Brice Niebuhr, Kyle Phillips, Clint Graham, Matt Cummins, Justin Hindery, Phil Freytag, Dannon Traxler (for her tireless effort), Craig Jewell at the Wild Buffalo, Brian Gudbranson at WWS, everyone who bought T Shirts and raffle tickets, and also donors of $$ and additional prizes who I didn't mention! It was a great show! Pics soon...

Benefit Show.. next week!

2010-12-12T13:08:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all the sponsors, bands, John Overly, The Wild Buffalo, Ani Hall, and Matt French for making this possible!

The GSPA has just reached it's goal..

2010-12-06T18:28:00.000-08:00

of $3000 for the skatepark's permitting! Turning it into the county soon to get things rolling... Thanks to Milanos, Chair 9, Baker Bus, POD/SAUCE Zine, Nick and Chris Leh, who all had at least $100 each on it!! Thanks for supporting, buying T shirts, etc...
Come to our show at the Wild Buffalo and help us fill the pot again! Sponsors for the raffle are: WWS, Shrunken Head Skateshop, Creature, Jivaro Wheels, Lib Tech, SAUCE Zine, Volcom, Sabbath Tattoo, Pocket Pistols Skates, One Ball Jay, and a few others to be announced..

BENEFIT SHOW!!

2010-11-30T21:08:00.000-08:00

At the Wild Buffalo, 208 West Holly St. Bellingham, WA. Bands are Todos Somos Lee, Ship To Ship, and Baltic Cousins. We're also raffling off skate product and other prizes. Doors at 8:30. Help us raise some cash for construction next summer!! Thanks!

Mud...

2010-10-20T00:49:00.000-07:00

Whatcom Parks and Rec. Foundation has approved the Glacier Skatepark Association's application, and will be our temporary fiscal sponsor until we have our own 501c3 status! A fundraising event will be in the works...

Coal Pad T Shirts!!!

2010-10-06T11:30:00.001-07:00

as well as a simple "Donation Button" are now available online!! Here and on the SAUCE Skateboardzine website! Fly the DIY flag.

Thanks to POD, Justin Hindery, SAUCE Skatezine, and Shrunkenhead Skateshop

Marginal Way Benefit.

2010-10-04T22:44:00.000-07:00

Grip Tape Art Show... Artists are doing their thing on grip tape. If you buy one, the proceeds will go to new concrete at Marginal Way Skatepark. Thursday Oct. 7th, 6:00 - 10:00 at Electric Coffin 1020 1st Ave S. Seattle, WA

Some heads

2010-09-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

from Portland out on the road stopped by to check out the project and got hyped. Good times. Images courtesy of POD/Sauce Skateboardzine

Legal Agreement!!!

2010-08-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

We have finally signed a legal agreement with Joe King, the new land owner! After eight months of negotiation, we have a big piece of the puzzle in place. And now, the long road of permitting with Whatcom County. Patients...

Thanks Joe!

Meanwhile, folks are gettin' restless.

The Wheels Are Still Turning..

2010-07-08T22:14:00.000-07:00

The site has just been surveyed by Jepson Engineering!! Thanks Joe King, Dannon Traxler, and Ben Wasson from Jepson Engineering. More to come... These things take time...

Thanks...

2010-04-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

Our benefit show was a success! Fun was had, prizes were won, and donations were made. Thanks to Craig Jewel and The Wild Buffalo, Dannon Traxler, MC Poops, DJ Moon Boot, Todos Somos Lee, The Holy Tail Feathers, The Whiskey Wailers, Brent Cole, Milano's, Joowanna, Scott's Ski Service, Mt. Baker Snowboard Shop, Washington Windsports, Crossroads Grocery, Harvest Moon Bakery, The North Fork Brewery, The Fork at Agate Bay, Kyle Martin, Jared Paben, Kai and Catherin Janson at Mt. Baker Roasters, Phil Freytag, Sabbath Tattoo, The Black Drop, Avilino, Everyday Music, Envy Boutique, Film is Truth, Merchbot, The Baglery, D'Anna's, The Copper Hog, Innate Snow and Skate, Farm to Market Bakery, The Food Co-op, Skyler Wilder, Oliver Lazenby, Jenny Tofe, Chas Malich, Dylan Atkinson, Melenie Silwick, John O, Rob Zwiebel, Matt French, Pocket Pistols Skates, Ani Hall, Mandy Nadeau, Kim Wolf, Chelsea Merris, Beth Pepperworth, Clair Taylor, Jared Smith, John Kingsley, Zac Garza, John Aguilar, The Sand Castle Resort, Joe King, Matt Wibby, Frequency The Snowboard Journal, all the skaters/laborers, tool/concrete/$$$/material/donors, and everyone who came out on a Thursday night to show support. It was a great night, and there will be more to come.

Benefit SHow!!

2010-03-31T22:32:00.001-07:00

At the Wild Buffalo in Bellingham, 208 E. Holly St. April 8 doors at 8:00.. Bands are Todos Somos Lee, The Holy Tail Feathers, and The Whiskey Wailers!! DJ Moonboot for vibes... Product raffle... Come out support and have some fun...

The Glacier Skate park Association is a Non-Profit Organization set up to administer the Do It Yourself skate park in Glacier. The first goal in operations is to get permitting in place and the continued construction of Phase 1 of our project in Glacier. We are currently utilizing about 1/3 of the available space in negotiation. Future promotional activities and benefit events such as art shows/auctions, live music/DJ, skateboard contests, etc. will be in the works. All donations will be held in a 3rd party trust account that has been set up by the GSA's attorney, Dannon C. Traxler, in association with Langabeer and Tull, PS. Our mission is to act as an entity that will promote unity in the Whatcom County skateboard community through a proactive movement. Our goal and passion is to advocate for future projects that will ensure a safe, CREATIVE, and engaging atmosphere for skateboarders of all ages.

Ruff sketch of Phase 1 on CAD...

Some more pics

2010-03-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

from Jonah Trople...

BENEFIT SHOW!!

2010-03-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

There will be a benefit show at The Wild Buffalo on April 8th!! Bands, DJ, product raffle! We are very close to making this happen and we need your support. Stay tuned for more info and benefit events to come...

Here's a fine example of making it happen DIY style. Somewhere in Germany...

Negotiation...

2010-02-15T10:03:00.000-08:00

As of our last meeting, Joe King has been very kind in his consideration of an agreement to let the project move forward! Boundaries for the park must be negotiated and then surveyed. Jepson Engineering has offered to volunteer their time for the survey work.. The back taxes on the land must be paid by us, and permitting must be obtained. We now have our WA State UBI number, so the Glacier Skatepark Association is now official!

action

2010-02-11T12:14:00.000-08:00

heres a few photos ive shot over the years at the coal pad.

-jared smith

ryan williams

jeremy miller

matt edgars

The wheels...

2009-12-24T08:52:00.000-08:00

are in motion.

We are in the process of setting up a Non Profit Organization to manage and fund our project. We've been getting a little help from our allies and we are gaining momentm . Stay posted. Thank you for supporting D I Y!

In response...

2009-12-19T13:53:00.000-08:00

to the comments I've been reading after the article in the Bellingham Herald: We knew very well the consequences of building our skateboarding spot on land which we did not own. For this reason, we feared demolition and kept the project very small for the first few years. It was a DUMP on logging land zoned forestry. We only had the best intentions and were trying to clean up and make use of the spot by turning an unsightly trash heap into something we need. Glacier is a secluded mountain town, there is a real need for this project. We were always aware of the fact that we could get shut down. We are only hoping for the best, we didn't mean to disrespect property rights...

Our influences...

2009-12-17T17:13:00.000-08:00

Marginal Way, under the 99 Viaduct, in Seattle, has been a big influence. Being able to see half built walls and transitions has been our guiding light since the beginning, giving us construction ideas. As well as of course Burnside, Washington Street, San Pedro, FDR, Bordertown, and many others... All of which are success stories of D I Y parks! They have also all started just like ours..

Support D I Y!

2009-12-13T15:15:00.000-08:00

HELP!!Video:Jared Smith

Some photos...

2009-12-07T18:27:00.001-08:00

Here are some more pics of the new concrete we poured at the end of the summer... In the night pics, we're running the lights to heat the wet concrete and accelerate the curing process in the damp, cool, atmospheric conditions. In the beginning, loggers would drive by at five in the morning, stopping when we had green concrete to kick at and walk on our efforts...

A little history...

2009-12-01T23:27:00.000-08:00

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