Written on September 20, 2008

For decades, this Sugarland Run skate spot, a drainage ditch most commonly known as "The Pit", has pleased local skaters with its mellow banks and multi-use layout.  Rumors say it dates back to the 80's, most likely when skateboarding was first introduced to Loudoun.

Today, even though it is still popular on a daily basis with the local skate crowd, the spot is slowly crumbling.  With typical wear and tear of the concrete, grass growing through cracks, graffiti, and pollution, it has developed into an unsafe place for skateboarders and an eyesore in the Sugarland Run community.

The last time I went to The Pit to skate, it was difficult to even get close, the smell of the lake was unbearable.  With the current of the lake, all of the trash that residents have thrown in collect in the corner, right next to the ditch, I stayed there for probably 2 minutes before I felt nausea.  The small potholes in front of the banks also made it hard for me to skate there, I would constantly have to keep an eye out to make sure my wheel didn't get stuck resulting in a face plant.

Update!

We hosted a Lake Clean-up event on August 15th, 2009 where local skateboarders and residents got together and volunteered by picking up litter in and around the lake and covering graffiti in the drainage area.  More information and photos about this event have been posted on the event page.  Thank you to all who participated and made the event a success.