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About The Bulletin. (Bend, OR) 1963-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 13, 2021)
B10 The BulleTin • Friday, augusT 13, 2021 ALPINE CREEK TOP PICK OF THE WEEK Rockridge Skatepark Story and photo by DAVID JASPER The Bulletin If you’re looking for interest- ing terrain for skateboarding, consider Rockridge Skatepark. The newest of Bend’s three skateparks opened in the fall of 2017 and was built by Ore- gon-based Evergreen Skateparks, known for its so-called “moon- scape” designs. There is no set, standard de- sign in skatepark building, and so each park is a concrete work of art that, ideally, addresses community needs while factor- ing in local skater input and the contracted builder’s ideas. Since communities began warming up to the idea of public skateparks about 20 years ago, the majority of parks built have incorporated elements appealing to different disciplines: stand-alone bowls and ramps for transition skat- ing, rails, stairs and ledges de- rived from street skating. The better the features are tied to- gether, the better their “flow,” which roughly means ease of movement across all the park’s features. Evergreen’s moonscape de- signs vary from park to park, but they can generally be described as emphasizing flow. Rockridge is full of interconnected features — rolling “pump bumps,” cor- ners and transitions — with a smattering of small quarter pipes and a rail on the surrounding deck. It is elegant, photogenic and fun to roll around in. However, Rockridge is essen- tially one giant bowl, and during peak use, when experienced rid- ers, beginners and scooter kids are all trying to ride, there will be cross-traffic issues and occa- sional collisions. That’s less likely in parks in Redmond, Sisters or Prineville, with their more dis- crete elements. But if you stay alert to other riders — or better yet, score it at sunset or when kids are in school — Rockridge is full of possibility. Getting there: Rockridge Park is located at 20885 Egypt Drive, Bend. e Central Oregon ex- plorer Alex Laakman captures the beauty of Alpine Creek near Broken Top. Reporter: 541-383-0349, djasper@bendbulletin.com Veteran, Locally Owned & Operated CCB# 133106 Since 1998 Email us for a FREE quote @ bend@lifetimewindows.net We Wholesale Windows Too! VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM 97 th & Reed Market Road! CALL NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE From Carl or Kameron al i c e p S r e Summ F F O 0 $25 d 541-633-7868 Great FINANCING AVAILBLE! O.A.C. 00 lle each insta window 1091 SE Division St. in Bend • www.LifetimeWindows.net
