*** Indoor Facility Draws BMX Riders ***
Fond Du Lac, WI -- 10/02/2007
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Photo - Midway Skate Park team members include, from left, Rollie
Flasch, Dan Drehmel, Matt Russel, Dan Strean (owner), Alec Kumrow,
Dickie Walsh and Brian Fitch. Midway is a rider owned and operated
skate park, located in Waucousta, 12 miles southeast of Fond du Lac.
Midway Skate Park is helping put Waucousta on the map.
Many visitors may find it hard to locate the small village in southeast
Fond du Lac County, but to the BMX riders and skateboarders who utilize
facilities within Midway Skate Park, it is nothing short of a second
home.
Located 12 miles southeast of Fond du Lac at N3112 Hwy. 45, Midway is a
rider-owned and operated 8,000 sq. ft. facility which allows riders to
test
and perfect their acrobatic talent on wheels. The facility boasts a
variety
of ramps, rails and a large bowl.
Since its creation four years ago, the 25-year-old owner, Dan Strean,
has
used his passion for BMX and skateboarding to produce an environment
and atmosphere that kids love and can make their own.
"I really wanted something different around here for everyone to use,"
Dan recalled about the idea to start a skate park. "We wanted to show
kids that they can make healthy, positive choices while having fun.
Riding with their peers, they learn self-control, confidence, motivation
a
nd communication.
“Kids definitely find a release here."
Although extreme sports like skateboarding and BMX have been looked
upon by some as dirty, defiant and rebellious, riders continually strive
to
prove that the sports have become more socially accepted. In a recent
American Sports Data Report, there were 12.5 million skateboarders
worldwide.
"People tend to think that it’s the ‘bad apples’ that are in to these
kinds of
sports, but its really not the case,” explained Dan. “A lot of our
riders are
involved in other sports or activities like track and soccer; one rider
was
even prom king.
“The feeling you get when you are on a bike or a board is totally
different
than on a field. People think it’s all pretty crazy, but if you have
never
experienced it, you can’t imagine the feeling it gives you. Parents who
come and watch sometimes get nervous about it, but they still support
their kid. If they have concerns, we talk about it."
Although performed in a more "extreme" context, BMX and skateboarding
do share a common bond with traditional sports. Midway takes pride in
its
team. Dan works alongside team members Richard "Dickie" Walsh, Dan
"Danimal" Drehmel, Brian Fitch, Matt Russel, Alec Kumrow, Rollie Flasch
and Alex Kittelson, who have become nothing short of a family, helping
to build, run and maintain Midway.
They also act as role models to promote safety and provide good
influences. Each team member is also certified in first aid.
"We believe in positive reenforcement," said Rollie. "Bigger parks don’t
really have that, and it’s hard to learn without the support of other
riders.
Here, even the owner is out interacting with riders.
There is definitely a small town atmosphere at Midway
and it shows."
To expand Midway’s clientele from its tiny Waucousta base, park
members have participated in Walleye Weekend for the past three
years, performing a stunt show with a number of challenging BMX
tricks. An emcee is on hand to explain the tricks to the audience.
Midway will also hold a show on Friday, Oct. 13, sponsored by Attitude
Sports and Enemy Clothing. The show will feature beginner expert and
pro riders and skaters, with registration beginning at 10 a.m. and the
contest start scheduled for 1 p.m.
"Looking at the park now, its amazing it stood its ground for four
years.
I first had to prove on paper that I could do this and I did," said Dan.
"I
always had a passion for BMX and skateboarding.
“It’s not something I see myself growing out of. I think I’ll be doing
this
for the rest of my life or for as long as I can. With this outlet, I
think kids
have more positive than negative influences in their lives."
Midway Skate Park is open Thursdays and Fridays, from 4 to 10 p.m,
and Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 10 p.m. Cost for admission on
Thursday is $5, $8 on Friday and $10 on Saturday and Sunday.
For a complete park layout, visit Midway online at:
www.midwayskatepark.com
Geneb...Wenatchee,Washington-USA
All Things Northwest in BMX!
***** Gene`s BMX *****
http://www.genesbmx.com
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