@jonjon.jpeg: Desire paths, skate marks, kids’ forts. These are indices of presence. They show us how people want to use the environment, not just how it was designed. Most cities treat every activity as something that needs a designated zone. That kills the spark. Places only stay alive when they draw in different people for different reasons throughout the day. Instead of scrubbing out the signs of life, dead cities should learn from them and find ways to invite more. #urbanism #cityplanning #michigan #grandrapids #urbandesign
i don't understand why skateboarders have a bad reputation
2025-09-19 22:07:37
378
Sleepin Silly Willy :
skateboarders as a pioneer "species" what a novel idea I've never thought of that
if the skaters feel safe enough to do their lil dealies, why wouldn't other people?
2025-09-19 23:06:31
589
:) :
As a PhD student in parks and rec this is so cool
2025-09-19 20:40:41
347
Kiki :
I’m an archaeologist and we look for indices of past presence 😂
2025-09-19 21:41:54
215
phyllis :
in my Chicago neighborhood, an underpass was turned in to a skatepark and it's pretty cool to see the change from trash/other things to kids hanging out.
2025-09-19 21:38:49
197
The Disenchanted Arborist :
"Human-scale urban development" I scream as they drag me out of city planning meetings.
2025-09-21 18:04:59
78
Khaleesi.chillin :
That also deters crime giving kids a fun activity that is low cost instead or drinking or drugging
2025-09-20 00:35:20
299
Scott :
I don’t understand why cities don’t like skateboarding, it looks sick, and their presence tends to push away crime as there’s now eyes in the area
2025-09-22 20:49:52
43
Abbie :
sadly those metal elements, are a form of hostile architecture. they are meant to deter anyone from using that vertical surface to sleep or reset
2025-09-19 22:35:23
93
press.on.regardless :
"skateboarding is not a crime" t shirt nostalgia
2025-09-20 03:50:38
48
C.New :
What are some good books to chase these concepts. I read for fun so not a textbook, but is there anything Mary Roach style? Similar to this TT?
2025-09-20 03:10:25
15
BirdyBird :
I think the problem is that lots of people see skaters AS criminals, and would like to eradicate them overall, and so creating designated skating areas is absolutely anathema to that.
2025-09-20 02:33:58
14
nate waz :
I know multiple ppl who have been assaulted near those river walks in GR bc they are isolated. thanks for thinking critically about this city!
2025-09-20 02:52:25
7
JPV :
The happy urbanist! Cities hate skaters because they make em feel old and left out, their goal is for pristine built surfaces only used for staged photo shoots
2025-09-20 00:41:40
26
Becca :
It’s like the desire paths!
2025-09-20 02:11:09
15
Natasha :
Cool way of seeing it thank you
2025-09-19 20:56:30
29
Lizard (Sonnet) :
I wish this got more attention. Thanks for the biological and sociological lesson!
2025-09-19 21:41:48
16
Rosie Queue :
I’ve lived and worked in GR my whole life and now I will not be shutting up about this. Ever.
2025-09-20 19:20:43
17
collmac5 :
YOURE IN GRAND RAPIDS!!!! Welcome!!!
2025-09-20 01:19:11
9
Crocsnsocks :
To be fair I live in Michigan and of all the cities in the Midwest, I think Grand Rapids has the most going for it right now. I think they’ve done a lot of things right compared to others regionally.
2025-09-19 21:31:38
24
Yo :
Your ability to break down problematic thought patterns and recontextuliz is great.
2025-09-20 02:27:57
5
Kelly :
Great work. Love it. Love that your mind and heart enjoys this.
2025-09-19 22:05:41
13
Melissa Bugai :
Oh Hai GR 👋
2025-09-22 16:45:26
0
lostintime :
I remember seeing this phenomenon during Pokemon Go. The neighborhoods in our town, crime dropped. Cops were happy to see people in the park after dark. It was quite amazing and I honestly feel nostalgic for it.
2025-09-30 23:04:35
2
Stevie :
i’m so glad i stayed through the whole video :)
2025-09-22 01:47:28
4
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