Bones Brigade, Jay SmithChuck Hults, Waldo Autrey, Lawrence Limtao Jon Jon Bryant, Ken HadaJeff MogsJim Gray, Matt CookKelly BellmarAmy Bradshaw Anthony Garcia, Lawrence LimtaoDale ArdenToby WollerAlfredo ZavalaDave HegtromJohn WollerBill Billing , Chris StropleTristan RennieJake Jeffries
The 2009 Skatopia Skatepark reunion, hosted at Chino Skatepark, was a thrilling and nostalgic gathering that brought together skateboarders from different generations. Skatopia, the original skatepark in Buena Park, holds a special place in the hearts of skaters worldwide, and this event served as a pilgrimage. Amidst the concrete bowls and ramps of Chino Skatepark, skaters young and old celebrated the 1970’s spirit of skateboarding. It was a day filled with a sense of shared history, reminding everyone of the enduring passion that continues to drive the skateboarding community. The 2009 Skatopia Skatepark reunion at Chino Skatepark was not just an event; it was a testament to the timeless appeal of skateboarding and the unbreakable bonds forged at Skatopia Skatepark, Buena Park California.
Skatopia.net is where my journey to find my skate crew began. I’m Ken Hada, and I’m the person behind the Skatopia Skatepark website. As my high school reunion was approaching its 30th year, I found myself reflecting on my time at Skatopia, which had been one of the most significant periods of my life. Unlike today’s social media-dominated world, this was a time before Facebook, and there were fewer ways to reconnect with people from your past.
Given my profession as a website developer, I decided to take matters into my own hands and create a website for Skatopia, hoping it would somehow lead me to my friends from way back in 1979. It was a bit like the “build it, and they will come” mentality.
Soon after launching the website, people started searching their way to Skatopia, contributing to the message forum. While many of the usernames from those early days have become inactive, that forum essentially marked the birth of this website. Surprisingly, it wasn’t long before the forum was buzzing with people who shared the same deep affection for Skatopia. Meetups started to occur, Skatopia Reunions were organized, and within just a few years of creating the site, I found myself sitting in a skatepark once again with my old crew.
I genuinely hope that Vic Peloquin, the man who originally built, ran, and owned Skatopia Skatepark, knows the immense impact he’s had on skateboarding and on each one of us who cherished Skatopia. In closing (I know it might sound a bit cheesy to some), Skatopia will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Finally, I had the privilege of reuniting with Vic Peloquin, the man behind Skatopia, first at his home and then via Zoom. During our conversations, I made sure to express to him the profound impact he had on the world of skateboarding and on my own life.
Lester Kasai, Lonnie Hiramoto Skatopia Reunion Photo Ken Hada
Howard Hood Skatopia Reunion Photo Ken Hada
Toby Woller, Ken Hada, Dale Arden Skatopia Reunion Photo Ken Hada
The Skatopia Skatepark Reunion of 2005 was a truly special gathering held at Etnies Skatepark in Lake Forest, California. What made this event even more remarkable was the fact that most of these skaters had known each other for over 30 years prior to this reunion. It was a heartwarming reunion that brought together individuals whose bonds had been forged on the skateboarding terrain of Skatopia decades earlier. This gathering was not just about reliving their glory days but also about reconnecting with lifelong friends who had shared their passion for skateboarding since their youth. The event buzzed with the energy of skaters reminiscing about their shared history and creating new memories, all rooted in the enduring camaraderie that had sustained their love for the sport. The Skatopia Skatepark Reunion at Etnies Skatepark serves as a testament to the enduring friendships and the deep sense of community that skateboarding fosters, lasting for generations to come.
Skatopia Skatepark unquestionable Mecca for skateboarding enthusiasts from across the globe. Skatopia provided a playground for skaters to push the boundaries of their creativity and skills. In addition, Skatopia had an incredible waterfall and a winding river that flows through its terrain.
Skatopia’s diverse array of skate features includes a remarkable half pipe, a challenging clover bowl, a thrilling snake run, a mini snake run. And, a slalom run, an infinity bowl for the most daring riders, and a freestyle area where skaters can showcase their tricks and maneuvers.
Beyond the skateboarding paradise and the proximity to the ocean, Skatopia was also a “who’s who” of famous skateboarders. It was a gathering place where legendary figures in the skateboarding world converged to test their skills and leave their mark. With its storied history of hosting professional competitions and exhibitions, Skatopia attracted the biggest names in the sport, transforming the park into a living archive of skateboarding history. For aspiring skateboarders, encountering their idols at Skatopia was a dream come true, adding to the park’s allure and cementing its status as an iconic destination in the skateboarding universe.
Skatopia Skatepark in Buena Park, designed and owned by Vic Peloquin, stands as an unquestionable Mecca for skateboarding enthusiasts from across the globe. In its heyday, everyone in the skateboarding world knew about Skatopia. Skatopia Skatepark was not merely a concrete jungle; it was a spiritual home for those who lived and breathed the passion of skateboarding.
