Pillar is always amazed by the generosity and dedication of Skateboarders. Grass root efforts happen all over the world, yet we vary rarely hear about them. We dedicate this blog to Bruce Bailey and Crown Skate and Apparel, a skateboarder owned and operated lifestyle boutique, whose efforts truly impacted the Oswego Skate scene. The YMCA originally contacted Bruce Bailey, the owner of Crown Skate and Apparel, three years ago to assist them with building a temporary Skatepark with the hopes of a permanent facility in the future.
Bruce then contacted Brad Siedlecki, owner of Pillar Design Studios, asking if he would be able to assist with the Skatepark Design and Construction Drawing process. As an Oswego native himself, Brad was more than on board and took the direction of the both local Skaters and Bruce to come up with a conceptual Design. Since funding was below minimal Bruce and numerous volunteers constructed the park in phases, the first summer building a few obstacles, the next summer a few more, so on and so on, adding to the park as funds were raised. This summer the City owned land the Skatepark resided at was selected for a new purpose. Meaning the Skatepark would have to close and find a new location, misplacing the Skaters of Oswego.
So Mr. Bailey offered his warehouse, where his private ramps were kept, next to the Crown Skate Shop. The park was moved and large volunteer efforts helped to rebuild the Oswego Skatepark. Mr. Bailey is charging the YMCA a $1 for rent, in hopes to keep the Oswego Skatepark alive. The YMCA covers all necessary insurance as well has staff onsite but the Skatepark is free to users! How can he do that, we asked Mr. Bailey the same thing and he said, “He is hoping that the water sold at the Skatepark will end up covering the rent.” He is not in this business to make money, he has a day job and he wants to provide a safe and legal place for the local Skaters. Any profit he receives from his Skate shop goes back into the Skatepark. At this time they are about 1/3 of the way complete with construction, though the park is open and ready for use. They are currently constructing a large bowl and then will move onto the street section. Their goal is to have the park completed before the weather changes, around mid-October.
When we asked Bruce if there was anything else he wanted to add or anything he would like to comment on regarding his Skate Shop or the products they sell, he said no. This was for the park and the credit should be given to all the local users, volunteers and amazing people that made this happen. This was and is a community effort; one person could not have taken it on. He is proud to be a part of a community that stepped up and worked for a great cause.
If you are in the area and want to check out the Skatepark it is located at 38W. 2nd St. Oswego, NY. If you stop by the Skatepark, do the locals a favor and buy a water. Mr. Bailey, we commend you for your selflessness and dedication the world needs more people like you.
For more information on how you can get a Skatepark in your area or the Oswego Skatepark, please contact me at Nicole@pillardesignstudios.com. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook.
