Clockwise from right.
Launching from the
quarter jumper to the
vert wall, Al Partenan
has a very clean pair of
jeans and some tight
shoes. In control of a
varial flip mute fakie,
Navarrette brings it on
home. Check the second
shot. Goodtimes owner
and skater Greg Win
jabs
a frontside tailbone
in your face.
78 THRASHER
one half the large spined mini-ramp, and in the other a
large and flowing street course. The park is to expand
in the spring, with a vert ramp and a bowl being added.
"Time is the Great Equalizer."
-Bucky Pope
Other aspects of skateboarding in the Midwest have
provided the depth to cultivate a full scene with bands
who rented the ten practice spaces in PISS like Rifle
Sport and Babes in Toyland, and from Madison, Tar
Babies and Killdozer. Later in Chicago, The Jesus Lizard
arrived, Jesse Neuhaus rode, and for a time, Matt
Hensley DJ'd at a local club. Also in Chicago DJs Fred
and Cens, whose graffiti crews THC and UFG include
members Deep. Thor and others, who have all been
involved in skateboarding and have done graphics and
designs for skateboarding companies. In nearby
Champagne, IL, there is photographer Dan Estabrook,
and in Milwaukee photographer Pete Diantoni and
artist Jon McGuire. In Ohio, Alien Workshop has
drawn and developed, Neil Blender residing for a time,
and Rob Dyrdek originating there. In Minneapolis,
Molotov was begun by Andrew Schansburg, and
graphics were submitted by Dan Lang. Reese Simpson
lived in Minneapolis, and the city and parks there
nurtured riders like Joe Johnson, Justin Lynch, Dave
Leroux, Darren Navarrette, Woody, Nate Sheggeby,
John Cherrier, Danny Jansen, Aaron Davies and Gregg
Witt, whose company Goodtimes has brought the
involvement of many to the area.
The Turf skatepark has now permanently closed, its
bowls filled with gravel and the above area covered
with concrete. The Milwaukee scene is stable, though,
with functions overseen by PUPIL
(People Uplifting People In Life), Al
Partenan's organization. Skate Oasis
has been closed, and in its place
Canaan Park, the promised land, has
now opened with a metal bowl, a vert
wall and a street course, with a vert
ramp in the process.
"Why not Winona."
-Darren Navarrette
The vert ramp in the Goodtimes
warehouse has been regularly
sessioned by most of the locals
named, along with any skateboarder
who came from anywhere, pro or bro,
for nine years. The ramp was recently
sessioned for the last time before its
disassembly, but it has been
determined that it will be relocated by
those dedicated to the scene.
"I know with what suspicion the man
is regarded who refers matters of
fine art back to nature... a man who
has individuality (and what man lacks
it?) in some degree has a right to its
expression in his own environment."
-Frank Lloyd Wright
The inherent transitional character
of creative development is strongly
evident, made so by those mentioned
here, and by others who are not. It is
individual involvement that cultivates
community, and it is healthy
communities that help to encourage
healthy individuals.