Go behind the story as TCPalm’s entertainment writer explains her reporting on Treasure Coast skate parks.
Meet the TCPalm staff: Laurie K. Blandford
Meet TCPalm’s entertainment reporter and Fort Pierce native Laurie K. Blandford.
Leah Voss, Treasure Coast Newspapers
Entertainment reporter Laurie K. Blandford took some time to look at skate parks on the Treasure Coast. She learned about three new parks for skateboarding in the works — one in each county — and wanted to find out what the seven existing skate parks have to offer in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties.
Why was this an important local story to report?
As the entertainment reporter for TCPalm, it’s my job to tell you how to have fun on the Treasure Coast. As a local and a (very beginner) skateboarder who has been to only two skate parks, I wanted to know more about the others. Regardless, the whole community can benefit by knowing the history and features of each skate park.
Explain how you reported this story.
I wish I could say I went skateboarding for work, but I didn’t have time on my busy beat to go to all seven existing skate parks. I’ve skateboarded at the Lawnwood and Pat Mark Rio-Jensen skate parks, but I’ve never even seen the other five skate parks, so I had to do most of my research online.
What challenges did you face while reporting this story?
Even though I love skateboarding, I don’t know the different terms for features at skate parks. It was a challenge learning all the new words — such as “hubba,” which is a concrete ledge going down stairs — but it helped break down the details of each skate park for readers.
What surprised you about this story?
I was most surprised to learn the oldest skate park on the Treasure Coast opened 25 years ago. It’s clear skateboarding has become a timeless sport, still just as popular — if not more so — as its origins in empty swimming pools.
Was there anything you couldn’t answer when reporting this story?
I was disappointed not to be able to break down the details of the three new skate parks because it’s too early in the planning process. The only concrete details I was able to get were the locations of each one in East Stuart, Port St. Lucie and Vero Beach — the areas lacking in skate parks.
What’s next with this topic?
I’ll be following the progress of the three new skate parks coming to the Treasure Coast. Stuart officials are expected to bring project details to city commissioners in late May. Port St. Lucie officials have been getting community feedback and expected to begin construction next year. The Vero Beach Skate Park Alliance still is waiting for its city’s selection of a developer for the project.
Laurie K. Blandford is TCPalm’s entertainment reporter dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Email her at laurie.blandford@tcpalm.com. Sign up for her What To Do in 772 weekly newsletter at profile.tcpalm.com/newsletters/manage.