Marty Collyer started skateboarding on the fairground slab in 1994 and remembers the work he and others undertook to pursue their sport. Building their own kickers and launches, making use of what they could find and carry for coping and ramps. Setting up and skating, then hurriedly tearing down to make way for whatever events were scheduled for that day.
He graduated Bonners Ferry High School in 2000 and was among the group of skateboarders who encouraged county commissioner Murreleen Skeen to lead the effort to build the first skatepark at the Boundary County Fairgrounds, a small, humble affair but a vast improvement over the slab with a pyramid and quarter pipe, its own ramp. It drew not only a growing contingent of local skateboarders, but those from Sandpoint, Troy and Creston, riding not just skateboards, but scooters, bicycles, roller skates, rollerblades … even wheelchairs.
The skatepark has grown over the years, and an alliance formed, Marty being one of its early members and still involved, even though he now calls Spokane Valley home. He is still skateboarding, even though he’s now tasting middle aged and despite the fact he lost both legs at the knee to frostbite in 2018.
He was in Bonners Ferry July 14, one of eight serious skateboarders from around the region who took part in the first Panhandle Invasion Skate Tour to promote the sport and support the Boundary County Skatepark Alliance in bringing the little park beside the Parks & Rec office at the fairgrounds to the next level … and those who stop by their booth at the fair will be among the first to see what the skatepark could look like if hard work makes dreams come true.
“Our goal is to build a safe, well-lit, all-wheeled skatepark that is inclusive and accessible to everyone,” alliance members wrote in announcing their online auction that comes to an end at 5 p.m. Friday, August 2. “We believe that a quality skatepark is beneficial to our entire community. Not only for recreation but family involvement as well as tourism.”
Having raised over $11,000, they hope to have the full set of plans they’ve been working on with the design firm Dreamland Skateparks in time for the fair. If not, they will have conceptual drawings sufficient to show what their vision looks like.
Pam Copeland, a long-time member of Boundary County Parks and Rec, is not a a skater. She hasn’t even tried, she says. But having seen the dedication and tenacity of those in the Boundary County Skatepark Alliance over the course of years she has become one of their staunchest supporters.
“I see the condition of the current skatepark and the amount of use it actually gets,” she writes. “This is definitely a project worth supporting. It also turns out that though I am an advocate for youth a skatepark attracts people of all ages and abilities. We have spent a lot of time making sure this park is the one we need … I have spent a lot of time around skaters in the last two years working on this park. They are the kindest, most polite young people I have had the pleasure of meeting. I sit back and observe the interaction between them. Older kids helping younger kids. Cheering for each other as they land a trick. Teaching each other and just supporting each other. It just reinforces for me the need to do this for them.”
There is still plenty of time to bid on an auction item. You can also donate through the alliance’s Mighty Cause page – Let’s Build a Skatepark.
Whatever you can do is appreciated by everyone involved and the skaters and bikers who will benefit from a new park. A small group of dedicated volunteers can make big things happen.
The Boundary County Skatepark Alliance will meet at the skatepark at 5 p.m. Thursday, August 1, to make final plans for the fair, and volunteers to man the booth are needed! All are welcome to attend.
