The Fort Wayne Mini Ramp
This ramp roots are deeper than your very own family tree. This ramp has been a part of our scene since the year 1988. The ramp started out its life as a 16′ wide X 6′ high mini on the North side of the city in Shane Buell’s backyard (Concordia Gardens). In about 1995 it moved to the South-West side of town in Tym De Santos backyard. The Sweeney Skatepark was out of business just a few years earlier, and the metal from the Sweeny park was purchased & installed as the top layer.
Additionally another 12′ was added on in the form of two, 12 foot wide, by 9″ tall extensions, a new total of 28′ wide. 2006 brought on yet another move, this time to Mike Emmricks backyard in 46808 zip code. This also brought on the addition of a 10′ w x 9′ h extension, across the ramp to 10′ w x 7′ h extension, that escalates down to the 6′ tall original mini from 1988. New coping, now 32′ wide, a larger deck, and new wood was purchased in 06′ as part of this particular move.
2009′ the ramp saw “concrete pool coping” added to the 9′ extension making this ramp truly a one-of-a kind experience for all who rides it. I personally moved into Mikes house in July 2013, and continue to maintain and shred this amazing piece of wood, concrete, and steel. 26 Years later…
The ramp, the stories, the injuries, and all the fun times are memories we share as locals, many sessions by professional Skateboarders and BMX’ers as well over the years from teams like, Rise Skateshop, FBM Bikes, Independent Trucks, Creature Skateboards, have all been out to do work, just to name a few for the record books.
Here are some amazing pictures caught through the lens, and more importantly the eye of Ryan Hodges &f Ryan Hodges Photography. Ryan has a real passion for life, not to mention an avid Bike & Skateboard Rider / Supporter. Thanks to Ryan, and all the people over time who have made this ramp awesome to this very day. Hopefully the gods of fun will allow another 26 years or so.
Cheers, Rich Hoppe
Click on the Image to Enlarge
These photos are under copywright – please show photo credit to: Ryan Hodges if you decide to share
