Go behind the story as an entertainment editor of TCPALM explains its report on the Treasure Coast skate parks.
Meet TCPALM staff: Laurie K. Blandford
Meet the entertainment journalist of Tcpalm and from Fort Pierce, Laurie K. Blandford.
Leah voss, Newspapers Treasure Coast
Entertainment journalist Laurie K. Blandford took some time to watch the skate parks on the Treasury Coast. She learned three new parks for skateboarding in the work – one in each county – and wanted to know what the seven existing skate parks have to offer in the counties of Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River.
Why was it an important local history to report?
As an entertainment journalist for TCPALM, it’s my job to tell you how to have fun on the Treasury Coast. As a local and (very beginner) skateboarder who only went to two skate parks, I wanted to know more about others. In any case, the whole community can benefit by knowing the history and the characteristics of each parking lot.
Explain how you reported this story.
I would like to be able to say that I went to the roller board for work, but I did not have time on my busy pace to go to the seven existing skate parks. I did skateboarding on the Lawnwood and Pat Mark Rio-Jeansen skate parks, but I have never seen the other five skate parks, so I had to do most of my online research.
What challenges did you meet when this story is reported?
Even if I like skateboarding, I do not know the different terms of the features of skate parks. It was a challenge to learn all the new words – such as “Hubba”, which is a concrete rim that descends the stairs – but that helped break down the details of each skate park for readers.
What surprised you in this story?
I was most surprised to learn the oldest skate park in Treasure Coast opened its doors 25 years ago. It is clear that skateboard has become a timeless sport, always as popular – if not more – as its origins in empty pools.
Is there anything you could not respond when this story is reported?
I was disappointed not to be able to break down the details of the three new skate parks because it is too early in the planning process. The only concrete details I was able to obtain were everyone’s locations at East Stuart, Port St. Lucie and Vero Beach – The areas without skate parks.
What is the next step with this subject?
I will follow the progress of the three new skate parks coming to the Côte du Trésor. Stuart officials are expected to bring details of the project to the city’s commissioners at the end of May. Port St. Lucie officials have obtained comments on the community and should start construction next year. The Vero Beach Skate Park Alliance is still awaiting the selection of its city from a developer for the project.
Laurie K. Blandford Does tcpalm entertainment Dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Côte du Trésor. Send him an email to Laurie.blandford@tcpalm.com. Register him what to do in 772 weekly newsletter to Profile.tcpalm.com/Newsletters/manage.