Owasso Skatepark community: A place for all

By Sadie Woollard

A photo of skaters JC and Scarlett Heitmen taken by Sadie Woollard 

Owasso Skatepark is one of Owasso’s many hidden gems. The park itself is great for beginners and professionals. To most, it looks like plain concrete with curves, dips and painted-over graffiti; to these skaters, it’s a second home. From young children to senior citizens, the Owasso Skatepark is a place for connection and experience. 

Owasso High School junior, Aiden Dean, stated, “For most people, [skating] is an escape from whatever you’ve got going on.” He expressed, “[The Owasso Skatepark] is a very friendly, accepting place. Whether you’ve got home problems [or] bullying problems, you’re not gonna find that here.” 

Dean shared that you don’t have to know about skating to come to the skatepark. You will always have someone to talk to, learn from and share your love for skating with.=

Photo of Aiden Dean, Caden Woollard and Braden Smith taken by Sadie Woollard

The support shown at the park is undeniable. There is a consistent sound of skaters tapping their boards on the ground after someone successfully lands a difficult trick, as a way of saying “good job,” and when someone doesn't land a trick, there is a whole team of encouragement from friends or strangers.

Caden Woollard, another frequent skater and OHS graduate, stated, “The common thread between all of us is the appreciation that we have for other [people] trying; everyone respects each other.”

 Photo of Caden Woollard taken by Sadie Woollard

Everyone has a different reason for skating, whether it's to get away from home problems, have a feeling of purpose or just simply have fun. One thing the skaters mentioned was the feeling of landing a trick that they had shed blood and sweat for. It was a feeling none of them could put into words. While skateboarding is definitely a one-player sport, they share this feeling of accomplishment with each other, wearing a non-physical team uniform.

While these skaters will describe their sport as fun and exhilarating, this unique group shows a great amount of dedication and passion for what they do. No matter the age group, background or skill level, these people have created an environment where anyone can join in and feel accepted.

Photo of Braden Smith taken by Sadie Woollard