Redstone, Colorado has a renowned skate park that boasts a Mid-Western style of skateboarding.
Artwork By Mateo Rocha
Unlike any skateboard scene in a metropolitan area, Redstone Skate Park combines a layout that consists of smooth, vertical skateboarding with—to some extent—that of rugged street skateboarding.
Apart from the beautiful view of the foothills bordering the Rockies and the wide, open air of Highlands Ranch, Redstone offers unique skate features unlike any others in the Denver-Metro Area. The infamous snake run (a half-pipe that trails much like a long irrigation system) where skaters can cruise and grind endlessly, paired with transitional quarter pipes and the long flat bar rail in the middle of the street section of the park, makes for a great skate session, regardless the skaters’ ability (I got a kick out of the 2-foot quarter pipe!).
Snake runs go way back to the early days of skateboarding. Finding a dried-up drainage ditch back then meant a great opportunity to test out some moves. I find that Redstone’s snake run makes it a one-of-a-kind park since skaters can test their abilities in one of the oldest traditions of skateboarding.
On September, 17th, 2011 Redstone hosted the annual skateboard competition, Ruler Of The Railzz, where skaters of all ages gathered to contend for the first place title as Ultimate Ruler. The title seems a little tacky to me, but nonetheless I took the trip—eagerly I might add—to see the action.
The skate competition brought people together from Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and the Metro Area. When I arrived, excitedly I set my board down on the smooth concrete and went through the open gates of Redstone Skate Park. Skaters of all ages filled the corners of the park. Every feature was filled. The mini bowl (2-foot pool shaped feature with metal coping) had at least five kids cruising in it. The street section was a danger zone, with skaters flying from each and every direction possible towards the concrete banks (skate ramps), the quarter-pipes, or flat-bar rail. It was even more risky to step foot in the snake run, where skaters dropping in on the vertical walls flew down with enough speed to knock anyone around to their backs (possibly knock them to the other side of the park).
The competition was divided into amateur, intermediate, and advanced categories throughout the different sections of the park (mini bowl, street section, snake run). Watching everyone warm up assured me that there was a good show to be seen.
I kept my eye on two people mainly, Cam Puckett and a kid that goes by the name of Beans. Cam ripped on every obstacle he hit; I couldn’t understand how he executed his tricks without what seemed like any hesitation or second thoughts of a fall or slam. His ability to go big on every maneuver not only stunned the crowd, but also earned him first place in both the advanced street and advanced snake run categories.
The so-called Beans put on an excellent show, as well. I couldn’t get a chance to speak to him directly, but that didn’t seem to take away from his presence; Beans was a relentless skater. Every grind and every grab he made was with good speed and certain dedication. This set him apart from the rest in the advanced street category and earned him the third place title.
Redstone is located at 3280 Redstone Park Circle, Highlands Ranch, which neighbors Shea Stadium, a large sports stadium where TJ sports teams have played before. If ever given the chance, I highly recommend a trip out to Redstone to check out first-hand what is offered in this Mid-Western skate park.
