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Exploring the Vibrant History of Linda Vista Skatepark in San Diego

Welcome to Linda Vista Skatepark, a cultural landmark buzzing with energy.

Nestled within the sun-soaked streets of San Diego lies a 34000 foot haven for skateboarders—a place where creativity, friendship, and adrenaline intertwine to form the beating heart of the local skate scene. Join us as we delve into the captivating tale of this iconic destination, from its humble beginnings to its status as a cornerstone of the San Diego skateboarding community.

Construction and Inception

As the landscape of skateboarding has evolved, so too has Linda Vista Skatepark. In 2013, a group of concerned citizens began a signature campaign to build a skateboard park in the community and this marked the beginning of the Friends of the Linda Vista Skateboard Park. With the help of skaters, skateboard professionals, and the community the design of the park was approved. The construction began August 2016 with the grand opening on January 16, 2018. The park underwent a major renovation, adding new features and amenities to accommodate the ever-changing needs of the skating community. The renovation of the park was done by Site Design Group and California skateparks. Today, Linda Vista boasts a diverse array of obstacles and terrain, from classic street elements to expansive bowls and transitions, ensuring that there's something for everyone to enjoy.

The Skateparkproject, founded by professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, provided about $40,000 in “seed money” to get the project off the ground. Most of the funding came from a $4.6-million grant the state Department of Housing and Community Development awarded the city in 2014 to construct skateparks in Linda Vista and City Heights.

A Hub of Activity

From the moment its gates swung open, Linda Vista Skatepark quickly established itself as a hub of activity and creativity. Skaters from all walks of life flocked to its ramps, bowls, and ledges, eager to test their skills and connect with fellow riders. What emerged was a vibrant community united by a shared passion for skateboarding—a community that continues to thrive to this day.


Events and Celebrations

Over the years, Linda Vista Skatepark has played host to a myriad of events and gatherings that showcase the best of San Diego's skate culture. From amateur contests and demos to film premieres and art installations, the park buzzes with activity year-round. Notable skaters and industry insiders often grace its ramps, lending their support and inspiration to the next generation of riders.

Linda Vista Community

At its core, Linda Vista Skatepark is more than just a place to skate—it's a tight-knit community bonded by a love for the sport. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a first-time rider, you'll find a welcoming atmosphere and a supportive network of fellow skaters eager to cheer you on and share their passion. From impromptu jam sessions to casual hangouts, the park buzzes with a sense of camaraderie that's truly infectious.


As we reflect on the storied history of Linda Vista Skatepark, one thing becomes abundantly clear: its impact extends far beyond its concrete confines. Linda Vista has been a home away from home—a place to push boundaries, forge friendships, and find solace in the simple joy of riding. As the sun sets on another day of shredding, we can't help but feel grateful for the vibrant community that calls Linda Vista Skatepark home. Here's to many more years of laughter, learning, and endless stoke.


Visit Linda Vista skatepark

By Haroun Cherif

How Troubl3 Keeps Making Trouble with Skateboards

June 29 2022 - Interview with Troubl3  “I always have been a troublemaker”. If Andrew, 41, had to pitch his idea, this could be a good punchline. It’s one of those cases where a business’s name is not just marketing, but a character’s extension. "So, Troubl3 is giving the middle finger to a lot of skate shops that do not support local people." Andrew (Owner Troubl3)   VISIT WEBSITE TROUBL3 is a Canadian skateboard shop based in Otawa. It was born in 2018 from the desire to go against the flow. “Skateboarding industry has become a mass production machine. Everything comes from China or Mexico, where people are not paid right. I buy something for one hundred dollars that really costs ten dollars”, he claims. “Then I thought: if I’m going to be a troublemaker, I might do something different. If I’m making a board it’s got to be unique like any skater is. I’m going to make one by one; it’s going to be tougher, it’s going to last more, every single board is going to be different. When you buy, it’s not just a board, it’s a piece of art and an experience”, he adds. This is something “one hundred percent customized”, from size, shape, wheels base, and a “seven veneer deck”. He proudly details: “Each veneer that goes into each deck is hand picked.” He buys local (wood from Quebec, for instance) in small batches, presses, shapes and hand paints the decks himself also, when he can, he promotes local artists to draw on the skateboards. “So, Troubl3 is giving the middle finger to a lot of skate shops that do not support local people who make stuff. They say they are local, but do not buy local”, Andrew reenforces, protesting against the rules of the game. “I always compare skateboards with pizza. I love pizza: a large one costs 50 bucks, the same you pay for a skateboard sometimes. Those skateboards are made overseas, they cost nothing to make, the price of pizza is gone to double, but the price of skateboards stayed the same for 30 years." “I evoke Paul Schmitt’s case all the time: a big name in this industry who shifted his business from California to Tijuana because people want to keep the price of a skateboard at 50 of 60 dollars for eternity. So, to keep his business going and pay his people, he had to move”, Andrew says.   He likes to be different. “Being marginalized is something good in skateboarding”. Although he admits the way he runs business is not sustainable: “The breakeven would be making 250 skateboards a month. Right now, I have had a month when I made four or five, others one or two.” It doesn’t matter. He believes this is the way. And he gives a discount if people really ride them and not just hang his skateboards on the wall. Authenticity is his brand, like the style he prefers for riders: “I like to see the most unorthodox skater. Do you do treflips? Fantastic, so can any other kid. I don’t care, throw your board against the wall, flip it on your head, do a back flip, do something I want to see. It’s different, do skateboarding and not do what others do.” “There’s a kid in Indonesia I started to follow who's skateboarding reminds me of a young Christian Hosoi. When I see the kid skate I can recognize Christian Hosoi’s influence. Can you recognize the inventors of other tricks you see people do at the park?”, he asks. Andrew sponsors five “troublemakers”: Eric Martin (Ontario), Dustin Lawrence (Ontario), Connor Callan aka Meat Feet (Arizona), Luis Uribe (Texas), Shinichi Nichiyama (Japan). He enjoys watching them and supports them the way he can. About his local skateparks, Andrew recommends: Bob MacQuarrie skatepark in Otawa Joel Gauthier skatepark in Rockland Local bus stop where where it's super smooth and is perfect for slappies, now that people stopped using busses, due to Covid, it's always empty and available.

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