CT Skatepark Review: Gaps (Eastern Pulse) in Milford

A cold Sunday and an urge to skate means hitting up an indoor skatepark for me these days. I’m not afraid to admit that I’ve become anxious when it comes to skating in 30 degree weather, with wind gusts interfering with my flip tricks. So, this past Sunday, with friends, Jay Naarden and George Lamont, I took a trip to Eastern Pulse’s, Gaps Skatepark, in Milford.

I arrived at Jay’s place over hearing a phone conversation with George about attire, which was quite odd considering both of them are coated in some type of flannel every day.

“Now, George, you’ve got to wear clothes in proportion to your physique. There are definite dos and don’ts, good buddy, of wearing a bold striped shirt. A bold stripe shirt calls for solid colored or discreetly patterned suits and ties.”

After reminding Jay we were going skateboarding and not to his holiday Christmas party, George picked us up for an afternoon session at Gaps.

In the past, Eastern Pulse’s park was a thin strip with not much room to move around in. Not anymore. They’ve opened things up and knocked down walls, which allows for a more fulfilling and natural experience. An experience encompassing a fun bowl, rails, and some perfect ledges to maintain lines on. The front larger hip is a bit hairy, though. Its bulky compared to the smaller obstacles adjacent to it and has the faint stench of sketchiness upon entry and dismount. That being said, it’s the least of your concerns at a place with some of the only “street” obstacles in CT. The shop has been moved to Hamden, so when you show up, have your set up ready to shred or be prepared to beg for spare parts.

Things Eastern Pulse’s Gaps Skatepark Has:

• A bowl that takes time to adjust to, but well worth the commitment.
• Rails, ledges, and wedges, sliced up nice in the same section, offering up creative lines.
• A squirrel named, Phyllis.
• Great mix of local shredders.
• Razor Scooter kids that want your blood or attention.
• A bathroom Jay washed his face in.

Things Eastern Pulse’s Gaps Skatepark Does Not Have:

• A tanning bed Patrick Bateman would be proud of.
• The solid four foot mini ramp I came to enjoy in the past. Please make another, Anthony?
• Ted Bundy
• A huge cement bowl that George would like to sink his teeth into, but I prefer not.
• 25 cent Hot wings.