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

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