Not enough to put a raised ridge in the middle of the bank, they had to put a fence up too. Tennis courts next to Grant High School in Portland. The TMR crew wuz there.

Status report. The pedestrian bridge in the background is slated for removal. Something to do with a new bridge going up somewhere nearby tied into mass transit expansion. I’m not sure why you have to tear one down to build another one somewhere else, but it works out to our favor. Tearing down the bridge somehow equates to nobody caring what happens there. It’s kind of a no-mans land, not really owned by anyone. If the park doesn’t interfere with bridge demolition then Trimet is cool with it. Heck, the construction company in charge has indicated an interest in donating some concrete. Pretty much the only speed bump left is getting the spot added under the neighborhood development committee’s insurance. I guess since the property isn’t Portland Parks, it’s not covered like the rest of the skateparks. Great story so far. We’ll keep you posted on any progress. In the mean time, enjoy this Merde (Sponsor Luv!) footage from last week’s benefit. That still looks familiar.

It stands for Brooklyn Street Skate Spot Shots, what else? Super funs spot. Easy to ride, but the tech guys can get all techy if they want. There is no drama with opposing build crews, just a miscommunication is all. On Saturday they raised over $150 bucks. I’m lobbying for a runway on the other side of the volcano so goofy footers can hit it frontside easier. Fun for all ages. Way to go guys.

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.

As found on the Fellows page of the Civitella Ranieri Foundation, whose mission is to “bring together visual artists, writers and musicians from around the world who demonstrate exceptional talent and an enduring commitment to their disciplines.” There is no accompanying information about the location. The foundation’s headquarters is in New York, but the residency is located in Italy. It almost looks like you can see some wheel marks on those transitions. Too bad they are sitting on grass. Stupid art… – Thanks to Skate D for the tip.

Mondo curb launch ramp is located a block and a half east of the 3D Center of Art and Photography in Portland Oregon. Enlarge-o-rama.

This installation known as Ghost Parking Lot existed in Hamden, Connecticut from 1978 to 2003 (or 2007, depending on the source) yet somehow never ended up in a skate video or photo layout in a skate magazine, at least not that I am aware of. If it did, someone please enlighten me. This looked like a great spot for street skating. The shots above were found at Whoadude. They appear to be photos from when the installation was relatively new. Roadside Attractions has more recent photos that make the place look pretty decrepit. Apparently it was pretty hard to maintain. It did appear on TV shortly after it opened, and ironically, there’s a kid in the crowd who rides up to the location with a skateboard and a bewildered look on his face. – Thanks to Julian Gilbert-Davis for the tip.

I went to the grand opening of the Toxic Skate shop last weekend to check out the new bowl. It’s really fun, but not without a few flaws. The corners can be unpredictable and the decks are miniscule, but the bowl is fun as hell to ride. The giant wall ride on one half of the long side really makes this bigger than just the sum of it’s parts. The shop is in a small industrial park in Vancouver. lack of traditional neighbors made it easier to get the go ahead to have all ages shows there. It could be a cool little scene. Rich from EPM has some shots from early in the day before it got crowded.

This just in from reader John Aguilar who is our Senior Mexico Correspondent, even though he lives in Washington now, Old Mexico City skate spot behind the Modelo Beer brewery, we always had to sweep or scoop out all the plastic bags with dried up glue inside them that the glue sniffers would leave behind… Geez. You’d think the glue sniffers could find a skunky beer keg or some other sketchy fluids dribbling out of the brewery. I guess huffing is a completely different escape from reality. Enlarge-o-rama.

Reader Tony Bro sent in this photo of a bike path in Boulder City, Nevada that looks like a potentially great skate spot. Enlarge-o-rama.