By Tom Nash

For a day, skateboarders caught a glimpse of a skate-friendly Somerville.

One hundred skateboarders and dozens of spectators descended on Conway Park last Saturday for The Somer Session, a demonstration organizers hope will raise awareness of the need for a skate park in Somerville.

A diverse group of skateboarders took turns on several ramps set up on the park’s erstwhile hockey rink. Organizer Michael Sampson, with two skateboarding brothers and two supportive parents on hand, said the event was a respite from the intolerance confronting his peers around Somerville. 

‚ÄúIt’s hard to find a spot you don’t get kicked out of‚Äù for skateboarding, Sampson said. ‚ÄúWe wanted to raise awareness that there is a need for a skate park – and not dog parks.‚Äù

Save Our Somerville, a non-profit organization dedicated to “giving people who feel they have no power in the community a voice” helped put together the demonstration.

"We really want this event to highlight the plight of skateboarders in our city," SOS organizer Adam Rich said. "The youth in the city are losing opportunities left and right, and it’s important we speak up for them."

Among concerns that a skate park could attract vandalism and crime, one potential issue could be a state law requiring skateboarders under 16 to wear a helmet.

Only a handful of people chose to do so at The Somer Session, although signs were put up encouraging it. Waivers were required to participate.

Steve Costello, co-owner of Boston skateboarding company Ready Amongst Willing, helped sponsor the event and said a helmet rule would be followed if the park were deemed worthwhile by skaters.

"If the place is built properly, I don’t think a helmet rule is going to be a problem," Costello said.

Sampson said he envisions a skate park that resembles conditions found on the street. Somerville High School, where he is an honor student entering his junior year, was until recently his go-to spot.

As for helmet rules, Sampson was less diplomatic than Costello.

"A skate park is an individual risk thing," he said. "I’m telling you right now none of these kids would wear helmets."

As for the parent-alarming reputation that comes with skateboarding, Bobby Joe and Laura Sampson said they had qualms with their sons taking up the sport until they saw the dedication involved first-hand. They’ve since encouraged the pursuit – whether that has meant building ramps for the event or driving their children to far-flung destinations.

"It gives them something to do and keeps them off the street," Laura Sampson said. "We compare it to schoolwork," Bobby Joe added. "If you can master these tricks, you can do well in school."

While skateboarders are hoping an SOS-distributed petition with about 500 signatures will stir the Board of Aldermen to take action, Michael Sampson says The Somer Session may be more convincing.

"When you see people here, that’s so much better than seeing names on a paper," he said.

As his brother Alex ollied off a ramp behind him, he added:
"If you don’t give us a skate park, we’ll probably end up [skating] on your front steps."

Photos by Scott Liberatore