After the closest skatepark Curbside shut down last year, Grant Aaron and Matthew Eller were looking for somewhere new to skate.
They spotted a spot under the bridge at Santa Fe and Bellevue. It was empty, quiet, and wide open, so they decided to turn it into their own little setup.
The two started building ledges and small obstacles, making it a chill place where they and their crew could skate without getting in anyone’s way.
Skaters pulled up, kicked it, skated, and left without making any trouble. Everything was peaceful.
That changed when the Colorado Department of Transportation showed up. CDOT says the land belongs to them and that nothing like this is allowed.
There’s even a sign up that says, “Property of Colorado Department of Transportation NO Trespassing.”
The department told the skaters they would have to go through a permit process if they wanted to use the spot officially.
When Grant and Matthew reached out, CDOT said they’re checking in with local partners to figure out what’s next.
For now the skaters have to pack up what they built. They say it sucks to leave a spot that was quiet and open for everyone to enjoy.
But they’re hoping maybe there’s a way to make it work in the future. Until then, the ramps and rails come down and the bridge goes back to being empty.