Topeka's Area to Skate and Create

By Cameron Manthe

In June of 2017, ArtsConnect paired up with Shawnee County Parks and Recreation to transform Rip-On Skate Park into a large scale mural project. Since the introduction of this project the structures of the park have blossomed with color and graffiti, a complete departure from the earlier years of the facility. Previously, any paintings would be covered entirely in grey paint, leaving the park a mismatched patchwork of tones. Today it is mostly covered in all sorts of different styles and types of art.

ArtsConnect is a Topeka based organization dedicated to promoting a sense of community through art and spreading the understanding of how it can improve our daily lives. They are the masterminds behind the locally famous Brown V. Board Mural wall and many others as part of the Topeka Mural Project. 

Fresh Mural at Rip-On in 2017
Photo from ArtsConnect
Artist Unknown

They also organize the First Friday Artwalk, primarily hosted in North Topeka, an area known as NOTO, but not limited to. If you have never attended a First Friday I highly recommend going and experiencing it. Topeka has a growing and diverse art scene that is worthy of checking out.

Through the mural project mentioned above, many local artists were invited to come paint at the park to help promote communication between the parks and recreation department and skaters. Not only was this event for invited artists, but for the community as well. 

I was in attendance for this event as I had arrived with intentions of skating, not being aware of the event. Instead, I was generously allowed to use some peoples paints to help decorate the park. This was a great experience that can still be had today. 

To date, many new works show up seemingly overnight, and as far as I am aware you are still allowed to paint at this park. The original murals were very big pieces and many can be seen still today, or traces of what is left of them.

Original Mural from Project Photo from ArtsConnect Artist Unknown

Mural Barely Visible Due to Graffiti Today Photo by Cameron Manthe

Censored Example of Bad Graffiti at Rip-On
Photo by Cameron Manthe

Due to Rip-On still being painted in today, it has amassed tons of amateur graffiti. I am in no way saying that amateur art is not appreciated, as I and many others would love to see more art there. However, this has led to the park having some distasteful phrases and words painted over time. Please do not be one of the people who does this as it may result in the city not allowing us to paint anymore and promotes the park and its users to the public in negative light.

All in all, if you are looking for a huge, safe place to do art look no further. If you do decide to come paint please try and be respectful of what you are painting over as many new pieces are in memory of park locals we have unfortunately lost.

Be respectful of skaters using the park as well and try to stay out of the way, or come back when it is not busy; after all it is a skate park meant to be used as such. I look forward to the future of art and skateboarding becoming more close knit in my local community, and new murals to admire during a session.

Sources:

ArtsConnect - Information and Photos

https://artstopeka.org/

Other Photos By Cameron Manthe

Exploring Rip-On Skate Park and Its Unique Features

By Cameron Manthe

The first skate park I will be highlighting is Rip-On Skate Park. It is the earliest skate park I was exposed to so it holds some sentimental value to me and my memories. My aim is to give you a thorough idea of what is offered specifically at this facility. If you are not experienced in skate park lingo, this article may help you understand some of the terms used here.

Bowl Section:

Large Side, Spine and Small Side of Rip-On Bowl
Photos by Cameron Manthe

Probably the most prominent feature located here is the bowl area. This park features two open bowls joined by a spine. These are by far some of the largest ramps in the city. I have heard differing opinions on the ramp sizes, however many agree that the measurements on the smaller side are around five to six feet tall, while the biggest part of the bowl measures up around eight feet tall. These definitely feel a lot bigger when you are there in person. It features metal round coping and the transition is fairly mellow, but does reach fully into vert at the top.

Other Quarter Pipes:

There are three other quarter pipes located within the park. There is a small one placed on one side of a pyramid directly in the center of the park. This particular ramp is very gradual in terms of steepness and is great for beginners to develop vert skills or to use to launch over the pyramid itself. 

Other Quarter Pipes Available at Rip-On Skate Park
Photos by Cameron Manthe

Speaking of launching, the next quarter pipe I will mention is deemed "the launch ramp". It is located near the curved grind box and is typically used by skaters to get air and learn grab tricks. The final quarter pipe is a small ramp with coping sticking out of the middle of a large bank. This one is very awkward to use and I am not quite sure of its purpose, but it exists and can be fun for someone looking for a challenge.

Hand Rails and Hubbas:

Hubbas and Rails at Rip-On Skate Park
Photos by Cameron Manthe

There are two hand rails located in the park on the far side near the neighboring field. They are wide square rails with minimal run up. The problem of not having proper space leads to these not being used often. There are several hubbas of varying sizes and they are used more than the rails. Two are their own separate entities, and the others are conjoined over a hip section. These all feature angle iron coping making for a smooth grind.

Wall Ride and Euro Gap:

The wall ride featured in this park sticks out jarringly amongst the other obstacles. This is the only one of its kind in Topeka. It is near vertical and offers a unique opportunity for skaters to learn to use it. It is mostly used for just riding on and not many tricks are done on it. However, just the feeling of carving up it is satisfying itself. 

Wall Ride and Euro Gap at Rip-On
Photos by Cameron Manthe

There is a rather small euro gap within the park. The bank at the bottom is really short and quick. This leads to almost having to pop your trick as you hit the bank. Once you have the timing down it can be entertaining, but can be equally frustrating to learn.

This park is built to allow high speeds and big airs, so if that's your thing this is a perfect place to visit. With many elements of street and vert obstacles you are bound to find something you fancy to skate here.

Sources:

Shawnee County Parks and Rec

https://parks.snco.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/RipOn-Skate-Park-141

Stoked Ride Shop Ramp Guide

https://stokedrideshop.com/blogs/fun/the-ultimate-guide-to-skate-park-ramps

Photos by Cameron Manthe

Comparing Topeka's Skate Parks: Which Park is Right for You

By Cameron Manthe

The City of Topeka currently has a selection of three different skate parks to choose from. These facilities range in size and features they offer. Here I will detail them to help you decide which park seems most intriguing.

Mouse Trap Skate Park:

Mouse Trap Skate Park is commonly referred to as “Old Park” or “Oakland Skate Park” due to it being the oldest skate park offered in Topeka and its location in the Oakland neighborhood. Built in 2000, this park offers many obstacles within its 10,000 square foot area. It is equipped with sufficient lights for when your sessions last past sundown. 

From personal experience, this is the preferred skate park for most people in Topeka and can be rather packed at times. This park is ideal for skaters of all experience levels as it has plenty of flat ground and smaller obstacles as well as bigger ramps to use.

Rip-On Skate Park:

View of Rip-On Skate Park
Photo by Cameron Manthe

Rip-On Skate Park also has many nicknames you may come across. These include "New Park", "Washburn Skate Park" and "Shunga Skate Park". This skate park, built in 2004, is right down the street from Washburn University located in Shunga Glenn Park. This 9,310 square foot park features many large ramps and a big bowl section in addition to some handrails, ledges and a wall ride. 

I would not recommend this park to absolute beginners as the ramps are decently steep and meet the ground rather harshly for riding on a skateboard. This combined with the high speed nature of the park due to the size of the ramps makes it more challenging if you are just starting out. 

There is also not very much flat space that is out of the way to roll around on, nor any free standing ledges or rails to practice basic tricks. This park has lights, however, they are not meant to light the park after dark for skating and are extremely dim so make sure to get your session in before sundown.

Chesney Skate Park:

Chesney Skate Park Boardslide
Gif by Cameron Manthe

As far as I'm aware there are no nicknames for this skate park. Located in the Central Park neighborhood, this 5,000 square foot park offers steel ramps and plenty of flat ground to roll around on.

This is Topeka's newest addition to their catalog of skate parks as it was opened in 2008. The ramps are mellow and many are no bigger than a few feet tall. 

While being fairly small I believe it is a good place for beginners as it is usually not busy and offers many obstacles that are great for developing your tricks and comfort level. The city advertises this park as having lights for night, but I personally cannot confirm if they still come on or not. I will explore this in a later post highlighting this park.

No matter which park you choose to visit, you are sure to have a good time and maybe even meet some new people. Don't worry too much about skill level as each park has something for everyone, some just more than others. My first time at a skate park was at Rip-On Skate Park because it was the closest to where I lived and I had no experience with ramps other than a small plastic ramp in my driveway. So with this in mind feel free to go explore any and all of these wonderful facilities.

Sources:

Shawnee County Parks and Rec

https://parks.snco.us/91/Skate-Parks

Google Maps

https://maps.app.goo.gl/p5FTNqiAzEXfKMnj7

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qPDz677N4C7knsvu7

https://maps.app.goo.gl/HusnVejTSHsDpyqv9

Photo and Gif by Cameron Manthe

Protecting Yourself on the Ramps

By Cameron Manthe

I know you are eager to get out there and begin shredding, but skateboarding can be a dangerous activity and taking the proper precautions can ensure your enjoyment for the long haul. Let's go over some general safety tips for your well-being and others.

Protective gear is a must for beginners.  Rarely will you see professionals wear these items or even your peers, but they can be crucial in your learning phase when you may not be as comfortable on board and are more prone to falling. Start with some simple equipment like a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. Wrist protectors are also handy since you may be tempted to stop your fall by sticking out your arms at first. While you'll eventually learn to fall more safely, these items can protect you early on.

Skater wearing full set of pads.
 Photo by Daniel Torobekov.

This equipment can protect you from the relentless concrete. As you gain confidence, you can choose to take the risk of losing these items, but I recommend to at least to use a helmet regularly. 

Head injuries account for a significant amount of hospitalizations related to skateboarding and wearing a helmet can reduce this risk of serious injury. There is no shame in it. I've smacked my head a few times and wished I had been wearing a helmet after these incidents.

Most of this equipment can be purchased relatively cheap, and is definitely less expensive than a hospital bill. It can be found on sites like Amazon or in physical stores like Walmart or your local skate shop.

Skateparks can be busy places and people at these parks are generally moving fast with limited ability to just stop on a whim. Always make sure to stay clear of busy routes and where others are going. Make sure if you are standing idle that you are in a spot that is out of the way. Collisions are dangerous for everyone involved. While this does occasionally happen, it can be greatly reduced by situational awareness. 

Frequently a runaway skateboard will go across the park, out of control, and to warn others typically you will hear "board!" shouted. This means to be on the lookout so you don't get struck by one. A frequent trend is the use of earbuds at skate parks. While skating to music is definitely fun, I recommend if you use them to only use them in one ear so you can hear what is going on around you. It is always best to keep your eyes and ears open. 

Standard skateboard warning sticker.
Photo by Cameron Manthe.

While skateboarding is an excellent way to push your limits, make sure to skate within your abilities. Progression takes time and it is not necessary to immediately take on the biggest ramp at the park. You will get to use it before you know it, but until then make sure to develop your skills on smaller obstacles until you are comfortable enough to expand to the rest of the park. 

Above all remember to have fun as that's what this activity is all about. When done safely, skateboarding can be enjoyable and rewarding.

Sources:

"Factors Influencing Helmet Use, Head Injury, and Hospitalization Among Children Involved in Skateboarding and Snowboarding Accidents"

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5391782/#:~:text=Up%20to%2075%25%20of%20skateboarders,given%20the%20protection%20they%20afford.

Photo by Daniel Torobekov from Pexels:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/unrecognizable-teenager-on-skateboard-in-street-5764964/

Skateboard Pads on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Skateboarding+Protective+Gear&rh=n%3A3416271&ref=nb_sb_noss

Skateboard Pads at Walmart

https://www.walmart.com/search?q=Skateboarding+protective+gear

Warning Label Photo by Cameron Manthe

Welcome to Rolling Through Topeka

By Cameron Manthe

Hey there, and thank you for stopping by Rolling Through Topeka!

If you're here, you probably want to explore and learn more about Topeka's skate parks and the scene that surrounds them. Whether you are new to the sport seeking your first taste of a skate park or an experienced skater looking to explore new terrain, I am here to be your guide.  If you are brand new to skateboarding this article may help you get started.

Myself at Rip-On Skate Park
circa. 2011
Photo by Christina Manthe

My aim is to show you what is offered here and give you guidance to approach these parks. Hopefully this leads to an enjoyable experience and inspires more folks to join in on all the fun. They offer a safe space to push your boundaries mentally and physically of what you thought was possible.

I have been a local skateboarder for over a decade and these parks have been my own personal safe haven throughout these years. Skate parks are more than just a concrete structure to learn to skate at. They are a fantastic place to meet new friends as well as be a part of an inclusive community. Many of my closest friends to this day have been made at these parks.

 

My hope is that this blog will not only entice you to visit and make use of these areas, but also equip you with the knowledge you need to utilize them properly and safely to ensure a positive experience. While skateboarding is the main focus here, Topeka skate parks are also welcoming and inclusive of bikes, scooters and rollerblades.

So, let's roll into the realm of Topeka skate parks together.

Sources:

Topeka Parks and Rec

https://parks.snco.us/91/Skate-Parks

Tactics Boardshop

https://www.tactics.com/info/how-to-skateboard

Photo by Christina Manthe