Last time I even bothered to count, Oregon was home to over 120 skate parks, many of which are undeniably world class spots. So, while Saturday’s official opening of the Ed Benedict Community Park skate plaza isn’t anything new for Oregonians or Portlanders, it’s still a cause for celebration. Skateboarding is being taken seriously in this town and as a result, skate parks have been popping up like zits on a roid-head’s back lately and will continue to do so as both skaters and non-skaters alike embrace the positive impact that these projects are having on their communities.

Photo: Skate and Annoy

According to local advocacy group Skaters For Portland Skateparks, Portland is…

“The first city in the world to have a comprehensive master plan for skateboard park development. Passed by city council ordinance on August 3, 2005, the plan recommends 3 types of skate parks — 19 in total — 13 neighborhood skate spots, 5 district-wide skate parks, and one central city anchor park. The idea for a skate park master plan is based on the idea that skateboarders deserve an appropriate scope of safe, well-designed facilities just like any other recreational activity.”

Wow! Did you hear that? Three types of skate parks! Portland already has a reputation as being one of the most progressive cities in the USA. Whether we’re talking about public transportation, urban development, music/art, sustainability, or medical marijuana, you can be sure to find P-Town on the map. And now, thanks to the hard work of skate advocates, a receptive and capable local government, and private sponsors like Vans, who cut a $10,000 check for Ed Benedict, Portland will be a destination for skaters from all over the World. That is if it isn’t already.

By the way, the park is sick and I had a blast skating it with what seemed like all of SE Portland yesterday! Granite fixtures, flawless concrete benches, stairs, rails, and a creamy launch ramp gap transition all make Ed Benedict a street skater’s dream come true. All the while, the smooth hip and half-pipe at the east end keep early grabbers like me highly entertained as well. The landscaping is awesome and deserves mention, too. There’s nothing quite like gapping shrubbery. Plus, all the trees and plants built into to the plaza will be good for providing more oxygen which is sure to be in high demand as skaters light up Ed Bendedict Skate Park in the weeks, months, and years to come.

See you there.

Posted by Caleb on Monday, February 9th, 2009 in Skateboarding.

• -The L.A. Skate Plaza
• -Lafayette Skate Safe Plaza Coming Late Feb ‘09
• -Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory
• -San Diego Public Skate Parks FREE
• -Maloof Money Cup Course Revealed