Has it been a while since you last laced yourself into a pair of roller skates or blades? Any hankerings to hoist yourself onto a skateboard in pursuit of some freewheeling fun? Warmer, drier weather is offering some prime opportunities for skaters to find their flow.
“Skating for me is really a spiritual activity,” says skate enthusiast Eric Lewy. “When I’m strapped into my wheels there’s nothing else going on. You have to be invested in where your wheels are rolling or you’ll fall over, right?”
Lewy has been spearheading a community-wide campaign to advance roller wheel activities. He has promoted a huge host of local skating interests, but Lewy deserves singular credit for shaping what he refers to as the local village of people, places, and events for wheelers. He uses his village metaphor to encompass everything roller-related, including much of what he showcases on his Instagram page Eugene Roller Village.
Lewy’s village vision embraces several areas of focus. One is the skatepark side of things — essentially large, accessible locations where skaters can commune for a variety of skate-related activities. Then there’s the jam-skating scene, where various locales offer music and dance activities that cater to smaller groups and include DJs or other party-like entertainment. The third area covers outdoor activities like solo or organized group skate events in parks and on trails, bike paths, isolated backroads, and other airy locations.
So where are the local skate venues? Well, there’s Willamalane Park and Recreation District’’s spacious Bob Keefer Center in Springfield, which offers roller derby events, drop-in skate sessions, and monthly skate parties, along with skate rentals.
There’s also the familiar skate courts located under the Washington-Jefferson Park bridge. The site is largely used by skateboarders, but it does offer other skating options.
And then there’s the long-loved College Hill Reservoir, slated for a major renovation this summer. EWEB is currently seeking public input, keeping open the possibility of retaining skate opportunities at the redesigned site. Yep. It’s a great time to find your flow!
“I just hope I can deliver joy to others,” Lewy says. “That’s what truly motivates me.”
instagram.com/eugene_roller_village
