Socially Infamous: Individual and Community Culture at the Notorious Burnside Skatepark
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Date
2018
Authors
Ellerbe, Hames
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Abstract
This research project involves sociocultural validation of the founding members and early
participants of Burnside Skatepark. The group developed socioculturally through the creation and
use of an internationally renowned Do fl Yourse{l(DIY) skatepark. Located under the east side of
the Burnside Bridge in Portland, Oregon and founded in 1990, Burnside Skatepark is one of the
most famous skateparks in the world, infamous for territorialism, attitude, and difficulty. On the
other hand, the park has been built with dedication, devoid of city funding and approval, in an area
known, in the earlier days of the park, as a crime infested, former industrial district. Through the
do ii yourself creation of Burnside skatepark, came the sociocultural cultivation and development
of the founding participants and skaters. Additionally, the creation of the park provided substantial
influence in the sociocultural development of a number of professional skateboarders and
influenced the creation of parks worldwide. By identifying the sociocultural development and
cultivation of those involved with the Burnside skatepark, specifically two of the founders, and
one professional skateboarder, consideration can be provided into how skateboarding, creating a
space, and skate participation may lead to significant development of community, social integrity,
and self-worth even in the face of substantial gentrification.
Description
22 pages
Keywords
Skateboarding, Portland (Or.), Culture, Skateboards, Sociocultural, Gentrification, Skateparks