How Action Sports Can Build More Equitable Communities — Episode 075

We talk a lot about how important physical activity is, and we
know this has been especially true throughout the COVID-19
pandemic, when people have taken to their local parks to not only
maintain their physical well-being, but their mental well-being,
as well. However, there is a form of physical activity that we
don’t get to talk about as often: action sports.


Sports like skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding can be really
great outlets for physical activity, but also tools for social
connection and fostering creativity and self-expression. And,
many park and recreation agencies are well-positioned to offer
programming around action sports, as some already manage
skateparks or beaches. There are also a lot of ways park and
recreation professionals can collaborate with action sports
organizations to offer action sports opportunities to members of
their communities, opening the door for even more people to
experience this style of play.


On this episode of Open Space Radio, we’re thrilled to be joined
by Selema Masekela, a beloved commentator, journalist, host and
Emmy nominated producer, best known for his work on VICE, E!
Network, National Geographic, Red Bull Media House and the ESPN X
Games, where he regularly worked with some of the best action
sports athletes in the world. He is a relentlessly curious
narrator of the human experience, and he thrives as a Black man
who has historically been “the only” in the spaces of action
sports and entertainment. 


We caught up with Selema to learn how action sports and other
forms of recreation have shaped who he is as a person, as well
as:


How the COVID-19 pandemic has increased his appreciation for
recreation and outdoor spaces.

How action sports can play a critical role in shaping youth,
breaking down gender norms and fostering resilience.

How to break down the negative stigma surrounding skateparks
and make an argument that parks should implement skateparks.

How action sports as a part of park and recreation
programming — or partnering with action sports organizations
(like Stoked, an organization that Selema co-founded which uses
action sports and mentoring to close the opportunity gap) — can
be used to build more equitable communities.

How you can use the tools you have to ensure our public
spaces are places where people feel welcome, included and safe,
and more!