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May 25th, 2007, Skaters for Public Skateparks' contributors met in Austin, Texas to meet, skate, and talk about the year's accomplishments and next years plans. Presentations were made by Ideal Skateparks founder Seth Johnson, SPS Publishing Director Peter Whitley, Tony Hawk Foundation Executive Director Miki Vuckovich, SPS Executive Director Kent Dahlgren, and a host of others.
Over the past year, SPS enacted a new organizational structure, published a book, engaged in an "organizational intervention," while spending less money than in any year previous. As a group, we've become more effective and efficient with our message. This sentiment was echoed by many Summit participants. Essentially, when it comes to reaching advocates across the nation -- and even parts beyond -- SPS is doing an excellent job.
Kent Dahlgren kicked off the presentations with a summary of SPS' activities. The Public Skatepark Development Guide being one of many highlights that included the somber (but essential) business of tracking of skateboarding death statistics, statistical summaries, and a brief description of our incredible financial efficiencies.
Miki Vuckovich, Executive Director of the Tony Hawk Foundation, described the enormous skatepark grant awards given by the THF this year. The THF seems poised to get bigger and bigger each year.
Seth Johnson of Ideal Skateparks followed up with an illuminating description of skatepark advocacy issues in and around Texas and led a fascinating round-table discussion about the stregths and weaknesses of the design-build skatepark industry.
Finallly, Peter Whitley of Skaters for Public Skateparks talked about SPS' direction for 2007-08. With great awareness among skatepark advocates, now is the time to shift SPS focus to the agency audience; City, Parks, and Landscape professionals.
Lots of discussion was conducted regarding SPS' strengths and weaknesses outside of the Summit. Many strong concepts and suggestions were entertained. SPS contributors are sure to be outlining these great projects very soon.
Thanks to everyone for their support this year! It couldn't have happened without such an energetic, core group of volunteers!
See you next year!
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