Ocean Bowl has staying power – 40 years worth
Longevity of resort's skatepark is a testament to good management, enthusiasm for the sport
From its humble beginnings in 1976, Ocean Bowl has been a phenomenon. After four decades as a magnet for the skateboarding community on the Lower Shore and beyond, there’s no question it’s something special.
This year is the skatepark’s 40th anniversary. It’s not only the first skatepark on the Delmarva Peninsula, it’s also the oldest continuously operating municipal skatepark in the United States. And its popularity hasn’t waned; it’s kept up with the times and the demands skaters make on the facility.
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Salisbury built a skatepark in the late 1970s, but it didn’t stand the test of time. Reasons for its decline and eventual demise are unclear. Did it fall into disuse because it wasn’t well-maintained, or did maintenance lag because interest had fallen off?
No matter. Salisbury was without a skatepark for decades, but thanks to persistence on the part of aficionados, has opened the first of multiple phases of its new skatepark, located not far from the site of the old one.
The sport itself has not disappeared. But it has always struggled for recognition and respect.
Bicyclists have been granted increasing recognition and protection on roadways in Maryland and across the nation since the 1970s. Joggers and walkers are not chased away from public areas.
Tennis, football, swimming, soccer, softball and other organized team sports have special fields built and maintained for their use.
But skateboarders? For too long, they’ve been relegated to driveways and are often chased away, even cited, for practicing their skills or enjoying the activity in public areas.
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Not in Ocean City. Maryland’s seaside resort has provided and maintained – and upgraded more than once – a safe and appropriate venue where skaters are invited to congregate and enjoy their sport.
What’s really neat – and possibly unique because of its longevity – is the way this skatepark has spanned generations of skaters, meeting their need for a safe and legal place to skate but also building and nurturing a community of likeminded people. These people are like a family in much the same way other communities are built – but not around biological relationships or geographical proximity. Instead, it’s based more on their mutual love of a sport.
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Like any family or community, skaters pass down traditions to younger members of their community. They teach and mentor newcomers, share stories and teach about traditions, reminisce about the “old days” and form lifelong friendships that transcend the activity itself.
Most places still have not entirely welcomed skateboarding. Skaters are banned from most public sidewalks and parking lots. Often bystanders feel threatened or afraid of them. It’s hard for skaters to find a place to gather, show off to each other, practice skills and tricks, and enjoy each other’s company.
Ocean Bowl, which is maintained and operated by the resort, has done an exemplary job with this resource, treating it like the municipal park it is. Skate camps, lessons and adequate supervision have all contributed to its success.
The fact that many of the adults who use it today started as youngsters makes it clear that Ocean City has done everything right.
The Dew Tour came and went for four years, and now, like the shooting star it is, has moved on. But Ocean Bowl remains, still the gem it always was. And will remain, as long as people continue to enjoy skateboarding.
Kudos to Ocean City for sticking with this park that has nurtured generations of skaters, both residents and visitors.