The Process Behind the Bethlehem Skateplaza
7 videos • 47 views • by Homebase Skateshop Love it or hate it. The Bethlehem Skateplaza was developed over a 10 year process by a handful of skaters working with the Parks & Rec Department when everyone else abandoned hope the City would ever build a free, public, concrete skatepark for the community. It was designed during the Baker Era (big handrails & big sets). Skateplaza's were groundbreaking then and the concept of a skatepark that wouldn't be an "eyesore" filled with "halfpikes" is what finally got the City Council to actually consider building something for us to skate. The idea was to replicate and pay homage to great skatespots from skate history & all over the World. Admittedly some obstacles were executed better than others but in the end, it gave use a place to go when we had nothing. The Bethlehem Skateplaza is the first concrete skatepark to be built in the Lehigh Valley and since it's opening has been the inspiration and example for why other skateparks have been and are being built in our surrounding area. It is now our community's most used parks facility with the least amount of maintenance upkeep to the City. Our hope as a local skateshop, is to privately raise the funds needed to complete the 3rd and final phase which will incorporate some obstacles that are missing from the plaza currently. Thank you to everyone who has used the Bethlehem Skateplaza since it opened its doors in 2010.