The Runway Skatepark - Carson

Excerpt from 'The Guide to Western Skateparks': Owned and managed by: Ron Penir & Sandy Saemann

FEATURES: The seven runs in the Runway are laid out back to back in the four-acre park. With six consecutive bowl turns, the twin bowl snake run empties into 45' diameter bowls. The U-shaped half pipe is 22' across and 17' deep, giving plenty of extended vertical. There is a keyhole-shaped pool 42½' in diameter and 18' deep with 5%' of vertical. The 500' banked slalom channel with 20' banks lets the more daring rider attain speeds of up to 30 mph. There is also a large freestyle area and a beginners' area.

MEMBERSHIP: Although membership is not required, the $5.00 annual club membership fee provides members with a membership card, three free sessions, 50 cent discount on admission, Runway decal, a member decal, and upcoming events. periodic information fliers on Overall, the club membership is really a good deal. Group rates are also available, and persons interested should go to the pro shop.

Admission for nonmembers is $2.50 before 6 p.m. on weekdays and $3.00 after 6 p.m. and weekends. Runway club members receive the 50 cent discount at all times. Sessions, which last 22 hours, run continuously, so you can start riding as soon as you arrive. Safety gear may be rented for 25 cents per item, and all boards are inspected to ensure that they have sealed bearings.

FACILITIES: The Runway has a 1200 square foot pro shop on the premises featuring various brands of high-quality skateboarding gear, including San Jon Enterprises safety gear. Repair work and adjustments are also done. Lessons for all phases of ability from beginner to advanced are in the development stage and will soon be available on a group or individual basis.

The Runway Amateur Team Open is an annual event held every Thanksgiving weekend. Amateur bowl riding contests are also held every Thursday at 8 p.m. in the pool bowl. This event is gaining more popularity each week with some hot local amateurs showing their stuff; so check it out. Prizes aren't bad either; skateboard equipment and free passes to the park. The Runway also sponsors its own skateboard team with five boys and five girls.

There is a snack bar featuring a natural juice bar and a wide assortment of the usual goodies, including char-broiled hamburgers. The game arcade has about 50 machines, including pinball, foosball, video, and air hockey. Biweekly contests are held in the arcade.

A pathway is provided for spectators, along with an observation deck and bleachers-free of charge. Whether to the Runway and catch the action at this radical new you skatepark. are riding or just watching, trip on down