Why every city needs a skatepark | Josh Nims | TEDxPhiladelphia

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Competitive yet comradely, skate culture is the hidden spring of a surprising number of Philly’s creative fields. And creating a safe place in town where skaters can “pop ollies” is a passion for Josh Nims. A decade ago, skateboarders in Philadelphia were under attack. A ban on skating in LOVE Park, the internationally renowned shredding paradise, turned the city’s public spaces into dangerous ground. But just as the movement against skateboarding gained momentum, an advocacy group sprung into action. Since 2000, Josh has been working with the Franklin’s Paine Skatepark Fund, along with co-founders Bryan Lathrop and Brian Nugent, to build and advocate for skateparks. It’s a skillset that combines a talent for raising money, a taste for politics and city planning, and a knack for community building. Today, Paine’s Park is a meeting place for the city and one of Philadelphia’s finest and most inclusive public spaces.
Josh Nims is a lifelong skateboarder with an affinity for politics and city planning. He is co-founder of the Franklin's Paine Skatepark Fund and operations manager for the Schuylkill River Development Corporation, where he works to revitalize and redevelop the lower Schuylkill River and reconnect it to Philadelphia’s urban core.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@lored3201]

As a middle aged suburban mom, I don’t understand why communities give skaters such a hard time. They’re outside doing something fun and active with their friends. Let them skate!!

[@lostpicasso2759]

Skateboarding is a beautiful thing. Just gotta take the time to understand it.

[@noscopepotato7382]

I think we should make a skatepark in my backyard

[@RafaelTomasyoyo]

I appreciate your help to the community man! We need more people like you!

[@faresmandorh3830]

I'm a rollerblader and I'm the skatepark manager of the first skatepark in Saudi Arabia. I really love how the culture is united here between rollerbladers and skateboarders and scooter and bmx riders. I really hope the U.S and the western countries find the way to unite the riders of all the extreme sports it makes it healthier and everyone will have fun we all need to be respected. <3

[@radrad4471]

this is by far my favorite ted talk and I havent even seen it

[@gametimewithcole6724]

I appreciate your help in the skateboarding community

[@BahamasMusicLasers]

I wish we could get some help to build a skatepark over here in the bahamas :( its so hard to find somewhere that we wont get in trouble for. sigh

[@drewscott9763]

I just got back into skating after 7 years and Indiana has come a long way with its skate parks. Its a great thing to see because people now can express themselves in a place where they wont get into trouble.

[@teresitammyles]

Josh Nims, This video is awesome! Dude, You are awesome!!! BTW, One of the happiest days EVER for me was Go Skate Day 2012. I was one of the skate moms that escorted the shredders to the "Forbidden Places". The police officers let my kids in Love Park without being reprimanded. So much fun in that blazing heat.😍

[@dragonstepper]

Whats up Josh! Crazy seeing this lol

[@michaelbakken3182]

Josh you are the man!

[@petergarcia8225]

Lesson learned. A bit of organization and you will see that there is a time and place for all great things.

[@blakehall3861]

Finally someone on here is relatable

[@Lapprenti-sage343]

Very inspiring!

[@emilecrowther8594]

Love this man!!!!!!!!!!!

[@StefanIsbrecht_]

*The Kalis Pic was taken by Blabac!

[@donlawson935]

My town needs people like him

[@gridlocksbf9276]

My city has no skate park or skate shop

[@jasondalton794]

Hello Josh loved the talk. I would like to ask about any help you might like to offer to a hopeful skatepark build in a tiny town called Rockland Idaho. I would love to check out some of your skate spots too someday. Such good work your doing. Amazing talk. Thank you.