philly

I went down to FDR Skatepark yesterday with Andi to take some photos. The action at FDR represents the core of what Philly is. It's gritty, it's grimy and it's beautiful. A huge skatepark under the I-95 overpass south of Pattison Ave is where the city tried to hide the "problem" that is skateboarding. The skateboarders took it and ran with it making a free flowing skatepark helping to develop the skills to maneuver around the city they're banned from skating.

Neither of us had been there before. It's been a place I've wanted to go to and photograph since I moved down to Philly. But it's one of those places that's there permanently and I always tell myself "I'll get there eventually" and keep on putting it off. Similar projects I put off: the city's incredible churches, the doors of residence buildings, the horse shit scrapers…

It was a gorgeous day and the late evening sun lit up the park perfectly. There was enough action to keep your head on a constant swivel, but not too much to overwhelm. I can't imagine what it's like in the spring/summer, but I hope to find out in a few months.

It was a mostly male crowd, but there was one lady who stepped into the pit, ponytail flailing.

We're planning to head back. And more prepared than we initially were. I'll be bringing both camera bodies and fully charged flashes. A case of beer always lightens the mood too.

Some more photos from the outing in this flickr set. Some older skateboarding action from two years ago during Wild in the Streets, June 21, 2005 – LOVE Park.

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