Skate Spot Review: The Pit

For decades, this Sugarland Run skate spot, a drainage ditch most commonly known as "The Pit", has pleased local skaters with its mellow banks and multi-use layout. Rumors say it dates back to the 80's, most likely when skateboarding was first introduced to Loudoun.

Today, even though it is still popular on a daily basis with the local skate crowd, the spot is slowly crumbling. With typical wear and tear of the concrete, grass growing through cracks, graffiti, and pollution, it has developed into an unsafe place for skateboarders and an eyesore in the Sugarland Run community.

The last time I went to The Pit to skate, it was difficult to even get close, the smell of the lake was unbearable. With the current of the lake, all of the trash that residents have thrown in collect in the corner, right next to the ditch, I stayed there for probably 2 minutes before I felt nausea. The small potholes in front of the banks also made it hard for me to skate there, I would constantly have to keep an eye out to make sure my wheel didn't get stuck resulting in a face plant.

The Loudoun County Skate Project is currently moving forward with an idea that will renew this skate spot for skateboarders and community residents. Our vision is to enhance the drainage ditch area by repairing any existing hazards and adding specific skate elements that will not only benefit skateboarders, but for drainage and public appearance as well. We are not pushing for a skatepark in this area at all, but simply making it a safer and more appealing community feature. Along with adding skate elements, we plan to add landscaping around the ditch, as well as trash cans and "No Littering" signs around the perimeter of the lake.

In the past month, I've met with the Sugarland Run District Supervisor, Susan Buckley, and attended a Sugarland Run Homeowners Association meeting where I brought up the idea of renewing "The Pit". I received positive feedback from Susan, no definite details yet, but I am hoping she will help us through this effort. The feedback from the HOA meeting was not too positive, which I think is typical at the first stages of a skate project. However, their lack of respect for the community was extremely surprising to me. The president of the Board, Bobby Winterbottom, stated the following "..I don't care how bad it looks.. I'd rather just leave that area alone, I don't want to think about it, I just want to forget about it." Even when I mentioned just adding landscaping features, he had the same response. In my opinion, any director, or resident in general, of a community should certainly have respect for improving their community, of course. What surprised me even more was the lack of responses from the other directors, they simply did not critique Mr. Winterbottom's words, therefore, agreeing. With this kind of attitude, it is clear that the future for Sugarland Run is not looking good. Residents need to step forward and take action, their community is at stake.

It is definitely going to be tough getting past this egocentric army, but the Skate Project is determined to stay on top of this effort. If you are interested in becoming a part of our support group, feel free to contact us or stay tuned as more information about this issue is coming soon.

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