STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG LIGHT
On a Roll
Andy
Vermont ’ s skateboarding scene has recently experienced a newfound surge of vitality and momentum thanks to the recent construction of several public skateparks . As the Vermont skateboarding community continues to expand and flourish , every completed skatepark project across the state serves as a beacon of hope that inspires skateboarders in other Vermont towns to move forward with their own fundraising and construction efforts .
In several Vermont towns , the skateboarding scene is further anchored and bolstered by independently-owned skateboard shops . Each shop serves as a communal hub for local skateboarders . Seasoned veterans can trade stories and tips with one another while they upgrade and maintain their boards with top-ofthe-line gear , and newcomers can receive expert advice from trusted professionals and learn more about the sport . Whether you ’ re a longtime thrasher or an untrained novice , there ’ s never been a better time to get out there and experience some of the best skateparks in the Green Mountain State !
44 VERMONT MAGAZINE
Vermont ’ s skateboarding community continues to grow stronger , thanks to the recent completion of several skateparks
A _ Dog Williams Skatepark
Burlington
Named in remembrance of local DJ , artist , and skateboarder Andy “ A _ Dog ” Williams , Burlington ’ s gorgeous waterfront skatepark was first opened in November 2015 . The skatepark was designed by Grindline Skateparks , a world-famous construction and design firm that specializes in concrete parks with flawless flow and striking features and obstacles .
The skatepark was partially funded by The Skatepark Project , which is a nonprofit foundation that was founded in 2002 by legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk . The Skatepark Project helps to establish safe and inclusive skateboard parks in underserved communities across the country . ( At the time of the park ’ s completion , The Skatepark Project was known as the Tony Hawk Foundation .) The Andy A _ Dog Williams Skatepark was the 500th skatepark that The Skatepark Project helped to fund , and Hawk felt a deep sense of personal connection with it . On June 4th , 2016 , Hawk delighted the city of Burlington when he came to A _ Dog Skatepark with a crew of professional skateboarders for its official dedication ceremony . The ceremony was overseen by Burlington ’ s mayor , Miro Weinberger , and hundreds of people were in attendance . Skateboarders of all ages and ability levels mingled with crowds of eager onlookers , who were overjoyed to witness the spellbinding athletic displays put on by Hawk and his team .
Today , A _ Dog Skatepark is widely regarded as the premier skateboarding destination in the state . Burlington-based skateboarder Holden Barth says that with Burlington being the biggest city in Vermont , it has a diverse skate scene compared to the rest of The Green Mountain State . “ Burlington is a college town , so you have a lot of skateboarders who are in Burlington for school and have grown up skating . The scene is very diverse . It includes skaters from a wide range of races and ethnicities , many women , and even young children who are just starting to figure things out . On the other side of things , you have a group of aging skateboarders who come to the park early in the morning to get laps in the bowl or share a session with their kids . The park is designed with a large bowl in the center and features a built-in loop around it . There are features for skaters of all skill levels and a consistent flow of people using the space .”
Barth adds that although skaters of all skill levels are welcome at A _ Dog , it ’ s important to understand that the riding experience there will be different depending on what time of day you arrive there . “ If you ’ re still working on the fundamentals , I would recommend skating