In 2013, Skateboarding Heritage Foundation made history when, after many months of intense work, campaigning, and educational outreach, it succeeded in getting the Bro Bowl in Tampa, Florida, a 1970s-era skatepark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was an unprecedented move, as no other property or structure related to skateboarding history and culture had ever been recognized or listed before. This notable achievement launched a worldwide movement and opened the door for more preservation. In 2014, The Rom skatepark in London was able to attain a listing on the National Register in the UK, followed by official recognition of London's Southbank as another skateboarding heritage site. In 2015, Skateboarding Heritage Foundation and author/historian Craig B. Snyder began working with authorities in Australia on the recognition of one more 1970s-era property. This was the Albany Snake Run located in Albany, Western Australia. Snyder's book, A Secret History of the Ollie, Volume 1: The 1970s (Black Salt Press, 2015), which documented Albany and a number of the other early skateparks, became an instrumental part of the supporting documentation. In 2016, the motion for recognition and preservation was approved making Albany the third historical property to get listed on a national register. Our work continues, stay tuned…
Official Heritage Sites
Bro Bowl (Est. 1978) Tampa, Florida, USA National Register of Historic Places Listing #13000811 National Park Service NPS / NRHP website October 9, 2013
Bro Bowl, Tampa, circa 1980
The Rom Skatepark (Est. 1978) London, England, UK Grade II Listed Building Listing #1419328 Historic England: Department of Cutlure National Heritage website September 11, 2014
Rom, London, late 1970s
Albany Snake Run (Est. 1976) Albany, Western Australia State Heritage Register, Listing #1972 Heritage Council of Western Australia WA Register website February 12, 2016
Albany under construction, Western Australia,1976
Recognized Heritage Sites
Southbank (Early 1970s) London, England, UK ACV (Asset of Community Value) Lambeth London Borough Council September 18, 2014
