Skateboarding has been gaining popularity, and of all the styles, street skating is the most popular, said Greg Smith, owner of Rampage Extreme Sports Park in Duluth. Moreover, Loarie said, the sophistication of stunts is dramatically different. This technique, he said, causes the most damage. Smith understands property managers' plight, especially regarding liability, and he's no advocate of street skating. And that's the problem, Nye said.
Ball players have fields and batting cages.
Joggers have paths. But there's nowhere for skateboarders to skate. And to make matters worse, they have an image problem. What's needed are public and private spaces for skateboarders to practice their skills in a supportive environment, Nye said. Despite the image, it's a positive sport, he said.