This is actually almost two weeks old, but it’s still well worth mentioning. Hats off to the Tony Hawk Foundation, who has introduced a new requirement for skatepark grants; No more prefab wooden parks. Read the press release titled “If Not Concrete, Then Why?”

The Turf may be filled in, but the momentum is not dead. The same station that covered the digging out effort aired an editorial (Ted’s Take) coming down on WDOT bureaucracy. There’s an official web site for the voce of saving the Turf, appropriately named Save the Turf. The Mayor of Greenfield, (It’s technically not Milwaukee, I always forget that.) seems to be cautiously in the corner of the effort. Wisconsin’s DOT seems to be passing the buck. Their stance is that they need the land as a staging area until the off ramp is finished, at which point the land is scheduled to be given to the city of Greenfield. So theoretically, if they cover it with enough rubble so it doesn’t get further damaged, when the project is over they could dig it out again and repair it. Ted’s Take after the jump, or head on over to Save the Turf.

Meanwhile, closer to home. There’s a benefit BBQ this Saturday the 7th for the Brooklyn Street Skate Spot in Portland. I have to admit I chuckled when I first heard there was a benefit for this tiny spot. This picture is old, actually, but I just heard they’ve hit a snag. The original organizers were engaging the community, taking it somewhat slow. Apparently some individuals decided to kick it into overdrive without scoping out the situation, allegedly tearing up sidewalks (?) and as a result the cops (who were already in the loop) shut it down and the whole thing needs permits now. Pretty much all of the neighbors are on board except for one business owner, who appears to prefer broken glass, garbage and the occasional syringe to pastoral scenes like a mother reading a book on the steps while her son skates, nearly a week after the spot first appeared. True story. Flyer after the jump. No alcohol please, they’re trying to present a positive image to the neighbors and the city.

Guess what? It’s Turf week on Skate and Annoy. All Turf, all the time. We have a campaign going to help save Surfin’ Turf/ The Turf skatepark here in Milwaukee, WI. We even went so far as to dig out one of the bowls last night and made it on the 10:00 news. Details about whats going on, a video of the news story, and most importantly what people can do to help save the park are all at beercity.com. More information and the video after the jump. UPDATE: It’s been filled in. I don’t know how this effects the big picture.

Martin Defatte sent in some more pictures from the digging effort at the Turf. These were actually from late Wednesday, but I couldn’t get to processing them until now. Martin said the cops showed up that evening which put a damper on things, but the bright side is, there’s all kinds of positive publicity now, and what could have been just an epic session for a bunch of hard working guys may possibly evolve into a more permanent solution. Please contact the wisco DOT, as they are currently in charge… Here is the phone #: (608) 266-1114 Here is the email: Frank.Busalacchi@dot.wi.gov Take 5 minutes and shoot them a friendly email, note the historical significance as well as the potential tourism dollars. We need your help! I may have left the Midwest for the land of amazing skateparks, it’s my home now with a capital “H” but right now my heart is in WIsconsin. Thanks again to Martin.

Sorry for the late notice, this slipped by me while I was on the road. Hurry up and bid, there’s only a few days (?) left. Board Rescue is holding an art auction to benefit its organization. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this artwork go to Board Rescue. Board Rescue provides skateboards and safety equipment to organizations that work with underprivileged and or at-risk youth. Board Rescue is a 501(c)(3) not for profit Corporation. There are artwork/decks from Cab, Jason Adams, Jimbo, Bryce Kanights and many more. See that birdhouse made out of skateboards that aren’t from Birdhouse? It was made by Judi Oyama’s husband. Aside from being bowlrider and past and present contender in Women’s slalom, Judi is on the board of Board Rescue. Check out the birdhouse after the jump.

The City of Miami skateboard park is under attack by well connected political elites. Check out Miamiskaters.com and join their Facebook group to find out what you can do to help. There is an event to support the park on Monday, July 19th which is detailed past the jump.

Fred’s family has a permission pool and has always gone out of their way to accommodate the skaters that session there. Unfortunately, their house was destroyed by fire recently. The skateboarding community is trying to give a little back this Saturday with a benefit bash at the bowl. Any money raised goes directly to Fred’s family. The location is 7385 Road 6, Firebaugh, California. Check out the flyer.

Join Above Coping Friday, June 11th at Errata Art Gallery 328 NW Broadway in Portland, OR. Doors open at 6 pm, events start at 8 pm. All ages, but Deschutes Beer available for 21+guests. Amazing artwork, silent auction, and raffle to raise funding to support youth skaters with chronic health conditions. I missed the First Thursday opening. It probably won’t even be too hard to park Friday. Check out the list of silent auction and raffle items after the turn.

Above Coping is a non profit corporation dedicated to providing support and new experiences for youth skateboarders with chronic health conditions. Come check out art by Rich Burton, Mark Conahan, Paul Fujita and Bryce Kanights at the opening Thursday, June 3, 2010 at Errata gallery, 328 NW Broadway #115. Also, raffle and silent auction reception, June 11th. Details and flyer after the turn.