Newer, bigger, better at skate park

COEUR d'ALENE - It wasn't a perfectly executed move as the skateboarder tumbled down on the concrete, but that's how you learn to get better - you pick up your board and keep going.

Chase Turner knows this, and he liked what he saw.

"Nice," he shouted at the boarder, who returned a thumbs up.

Turner, a longtime skater, was among a group of young boarders performing kickflips, heelflips and boardslides at the Coeur d'Alene Skate Park on Sunday afternoon.

Many sat along the wall, taking a break, watching. Other soared up, down, around and sideways as they perfected more maneuvers.

For an older skate park, it's great, said Turner. The downtown location is easily accessible and not far from his house. There is plenty of space, too, and a friendly group that offers encouragement.

One problem: It's old.

"It's just outdated, basically," Turner said. "We need a better one. New everything would be nice. We just need a brand new skate park."

Count Ricky Michael among those who agrees.

The 26-year-old was celebrating his birthday with a barbecue fundraiser on Sunday at the park. Burgers, buns and bottled water, donated by The Coeur d'Alene Resort, were being offered for a contribution to a skate park fund.

"We're just trying to add on to the skate park, because everything that's here, has been here forever," he said. "We're just trying to improve it."

Turner said towns like Sandpoint, Lewiston and Missoula, Mont., have top skate parks. A professional grade one with the usual bowls, half-pipes, mini-ramps, boxes and rails could cost around $400,000.

A skate park with a roof would allow for year-round use, too, he added.

Michael, who has a tattoo that says, "Live to Skate," said the more, the better.

"We just want to raise as much money as we can so we can build as much as we can," Michael said.

Turner works at and is sponsored by Pyramid Skate shop in Coeur d'Alene. He's also a representative on the city's skate park committee.

The park is busy in the summer, but could be even moreso, he said. This one is a little rough at times, with occasional swearing and smoking, making it an intimidating place for younger kids to learn the art of skateboarding.

"It needs to be a place where you can bring your family, your dog, everyone can enjoy it," Tuner said.

Improvements could be completed in phases, Turner said. Sunday's fundraiser is a good start.

"We're raising money to show that we are concerned. We're taking pride in our park," he said. "All of us skaters and the locals, we need to work together, and get everyone involved. Spread the word."