Last Friday Santa Cruz Skateboards sent their concerned notice to the skate community that Derby Skate Park might be threatened by California Park and Recreation construction work. Thankfully enough skateboarders and other responsive citizens voiced their concerns by calling Santa Cruz Parks and Rec's supervisor Jim Gibbons. Along with many others, I left a voice message with Mr. Gibbons and am pleased to say that that he not only took the time to call me back and explain what was going on but he also seemed genuinely concerned. In addition, he extended the offer for me to call back if I wished to discuss anything more about the construction happenings at Derby.
Bravo Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation! The "Occupy Derby" stir of commotion made news in the Santa Cruz Sentinel. Read the article for the full story in order to learn how the legendary Derby skatespot will be preserved while undergoing modifications. The read is fascinating and people might be surprised that "The park was named for former Santa Cruz police Sgt. Charles Derby." A Parks and Recreation Commission meeting Monday will discuss adding former officer Derby's first name to the park's title. "The meeting is set for 4 p.m. in the City Council chamber."
In the two pictures by Sentinel photographer Dan Coyro, "Scott Williams, who has been skateboarding at Derby Park since he was a small boy, runs his fingers over the recently poured concrete at Santa Cruz's first skate park." and "Skate park contractor Mike Greenwald, at right, gets input from one of the Derby Park skateboarders now working on the refurbishing project."
