Watermelons have been cultivated throughout human history for thousands of years. Its sweetness and juicy content serve to satisfy one’s hunger and thirst. Over time, the watermelon came to serve more than just someone’s appetite; it became a symbol.

Preston Harper, a 3D environmental/skatepark designer with 30 years of experience skating, delivered a box painted to look like a slice out of a watermelon to Da Vinci Arts Middle School this year. It measured 13 inches tall, 4.5 feet wide, and 16 feet long, longer than an average box typically at a DIY. “I felt like I needed to level up our box game this year,” he said. “I want to sit on my grinds a little longer, ya know?”. The box became an instant hit.

“I think it was just the perfect height for everybody, plus how long and wide it was. Also, the angle iron was perfect,” David Failla, a local skater and rider for Rips, said. But why the watermelon design? “I wanted to make something that could withhold the weather while making it look kid friendly in some way. Also, free Palestine,” Preston said. The watermelon stands as support for the people of Palestine, resisting Israel's ban of displaying the Palestinian flag.

Kevin Willrick wallride in 2014. Photo by Craig Wheat.

Located behind the Coca Cola building on NE Everett St, Da Vinci’s blacktop brought skaters for many years. Eventually, Flatground Fridays became a regular jam with people bringing their own features to skate. In 2020, Da Vinci was the meet up spot for No Hate Day, a skate jam to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

No Hate Day 2020. Photo by Nick Pelster.

Preston moved to Portland in 2017, and it wasn’t long until he and his friends also began bringing obstacles to the school. But on August 12th, the ledge was suddenly gone. Jake Stoumbos, another local skater, posted the absent ledge on his Instagram story; an empty blacktop with the outline of the former ledge sent shock to everyone. “I hadn’t been there for a couple days so I assumed everyone already knew,” Jake said. “Pretty soon after, I received 30+ messages from skaters asking where the ledge had gone.”

Fortunately, plans for next year’s Da Vinci are already in motion. Preston has been in talks with the school’s principal and is figuring out a way for skaters to continue using that space. This type of conversation is not new for Preston. In fact, it’s what led Preston to learn CAD.

“I started going to the public skatepark meetings to get involved, but I knew my word was only going to go so far. I thought maybe if I were able to produce some quality renders explaining my thoughts, they might listen to me,” he said. Preston began mocking up skatepark designs to facilitate approachable designs that are practical rather than a spectacle. “The majority of people who show up are looking for pump tracks, X Games style, massive bowl type skateparks,” he said.

A big bowl and a vert ramp may seem cool and feed into skateboarding’s “extremeness,” but only skaters with a certain skill will be able to enjoy that space. A majority of skaters are going to be wanting something more mellow. Skateparks aren’t just training grounds for the next big talent, it’s a community space for people to hang out. Sometimes, something as simple as a box is all that’s needed to create that space.

“Not only was the watermelon ledge the best box I’ve ever skated, but what’s more incredible about it was that it brought so many skaters together and was easily enjoyable for all skaters at any skill level,” David said. “That ledge meant a lot to people. It was sad and a little confusing to see it disappear,” Jake said.

The recent park in Berrydale features approachable obstacles like curb height ledges, mellow banks, and a flatbar. Q-Side, a DIY in Old Town started by Willis Kimbel, exemplifies how important community is in these shared spaces. “If we want to start making a difference in this city’s skatepark scene, more like minded people need to start showing up and getting involved,” Preston said. “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”

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