72 THRASHER
FRESH TRACKS
WTALBL
Vans
Vans Skatepark, Bakersfield, CA
Words and photos by Michael Burnett
Where: One hour northeast of LA.
What: Another mega-park-12' capsule pool, 7' square pool with spine, 5' mini keyhole, mini-ramp with
spine and hip, giant street course (indoor and out), kiddie area, shoe store, snack aréa, and vert ramp.
Good: Biggest indoor park in the US with blasting A/C.
Bad: Capsule will swallow you alive.
Pads: You'd better believe it.
Locals: Mallrats, desert trogs, future rippers.
Crash-Up Derby Factor: Plenty of room for all, but beware of the patrons of the cowboy bar next door.
Directions: From the 99, take the Rosedale Hwy exit and go one block until you see a big mall.
Overall: 9 out of 10.
Clockwise from left: All these new cement bowls have older
vert pros like Jeff Grosso jumping channels for joy. Lien to tail.
Mallrats make way; Aaron Harrison hangs onto a wedge-to-
wedge transfer. There's plenty of room to stand around and watch
the capsule at feeding time. A small bowl for vert-dogs in training.