Ambassadors and helping hands.
Almost exactly a year ago, I wrote an article about the new skatepark that opened in Wilmington, California. The park was created as a joint venture between the City of Los Angeles and Maxwell Billieon, an entertainment executive. There seemed to have been some complaints about the way the park was designed, which is fine. But I made the case that if you live in Wilmington, one the top five most dangerous communities in the city of Los Angeles (which is saying quite a lot), you wouldn't give a damn if the bench at your skatepark was a little off. This year I went back for an even put on by Max Billieon, with the help of HOT 106,Element, Jarritos, various artists and DJs and, most importantly, X Games champ Jake Brown. The event was in celebration of the park and in honor of everyone involved in getting the project going (ESPN was even given an award). The event also served as a ceremony for the soon-to-be-re-opened Wilmington Teen Center that will provide art and photography classes for kids in the community. The skatepark has been a positive point of development for this often neglected community. One year later, more and more kids are reaping the benefits. Take a look at the video below to hear Jake Brown and Max Billieon talk about their involvement and learn how one skatepark has greatly changed a community.
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