Gabriel Park nears completion

The Gabriel Park skatepark is nearly done. It’s not open yet but the Airspeed crew was engaged in some “dry runs” last Sunday when the weather was (finally) nice. In person, the park is much different than it looks in construction photos, or these photos, for that matter. I was a little worried about excessive flat bottom in the middle area, but it’s not a problem. It’s almost as if these guys know what they are doing. Imagine that! This park is unlike anything the Portland area has to offer and will make an excellent addition the local terrain and lore. The concrete is smooth and the lines are varied. I would say that you’d have to be mentally challenged to not have fun here, but that would assume I’ve actually ridden it…

Gabriel Park skatepark nears completion.

The park is a lot smaller than the photos would make it seem. It can get pretty hairy when it’s full. Fortuantely, there’s an easy out at almost any point if you need a quick exit. No word on the official opening date. Click to enlarge.

Here’s a panorama.

Geth Noble over the hip. I always forget, when he does these he bones them out at the last second, just when you think it’s over. Of course, this shot is pre-bone out.

Part of the airspeed crew. I didn’t catch this guy’s name.

Airspeed crew – Billy

View from the hill. I suspect this will be a commons sight once the park opens.

A little bit higher up

A representative of SPS was on hand to do a little testing. Mark Conahan about to launch off the extension.

Need more? EPM has some more coverage.