11/17/2024
Gonna be the local, so excited 🙏🏼
The Turf Skatepark, affectionately known as "Surfin' Turf," is a legendary skatepark that was originally built in 1979 in Greenfield, Wisconsin, just south of Milwaukee. Designed by acclaimed California architect and skatepark designer Art Kent (known as "Footie"), the park featured five unique concrete pools tailored for all levels of skateboarders, making it a trailblazing facility at a time when such parks were rare.
The park featured signature designs like the "Three Leaf Clover" and the "Side Entry Capsule Bowl." Opened by Jerry Steuernagel, The Turf operated as an indoor/outdoor venue that allowed year-round skateboarding by adjusting its open-air design during the summer and protecting riders from harsh Wisconsin weather.
Despite its initial popularity, skateboarding’s decline led to its closure in 1982. In 1987, the original owners reclaimed the site, re-opening it as one of the few remaining skateparks in the US at the time, and the only indoor skatepark in the nation, drawing skaters from across the globe.
However, by 1995, when vert skating began losing popularity, the owners attempted to adapt by filling the bowls and converting the park into a street course. Despite their efforts, the Turf ultimately closed its doors permanently in 1996.
After years of varied commercial use, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation acquired the property in 2010, using it for construction staging. That same year, local skaters attempted to dig out the bowls, demonstrating their enduring dedication for this iconic park.
A turning point came in 2019 when the Wisconsin DOT sold the site to the City of Greenfield for a symbolic $1, fueling hope of revitalization. Shortly after, The Turf Skatepark Association partnered with Grindline Skateparks to engage the community in a design workshop aimed at restoring and enhancing the facility. Plans developed to rebuild the original 5 bowls while adding a large street course and outdoor bowl, blending heritage with innovation to revive "The Turf" for future generations.
10/06/2024