Whether you’re an East Lewis County resident who is a seasoned skateboarder looking for a set of new bearings or wheels, or a beginner needing a fully built deck, Ripley’s Skate Shop in Morton is now open, offering these services and more.
Ripley’s is owned by Megan Petersen — an avid in-line skater, commercial photographer and owner of Bladie’s, a “women’s aggressive inline” skating gear company — who named the new skate shop after her dog, Ripley.
“This is the love of my life right here, my little shred lady,” Peterson said when The Chronicle visited the Morton skate shop on Saturday, Aug. 29.
Earlier this year, Petersen led local skateboarding and roller blading enthusiasts to form the Morton Action Sports Alliance (MASA), with the goal of getting a skate park built in Morton, as previously reported by The Chronicle.
While they may not have their skate park yet, Petersen opened up Ripley’s Skate Shop to at least get a local equipment store for skaters in the area, saving them the trip all the way to the only other skate shop in Lewis County, Kraken Boardshop in Centralia, or even farther.
MASA members partnered with Grindline Skateparks Inc. to make a push to get the City of Morton to help apply for grant funding to build the skate park this year. But, city staff wanted MASA to have more of a concrete plan in place, along with the required engineering and design, before moving forward with the project.
While the grant application period has passed, Petersen explained they plan on trying again during the next application period. Along with Petersen serving as MASA’s president, Morton City Councilor Jason Sawyer is the group’s vice president.
“They’re all being really supportive. (Mayor) Rick Mead has stepped aside and let me know there are other ways to go about some things. He’s really pro skate park and really wants it built,” Petersen said. “(Morton City Councilor) Peter (Hansen) has kids, I know he really wants a skate park for the kids. We’ve had no real backlash, other than they just didn’t want their name on the grant application, because then they would be responsible for the project since we were so early in the planning stages.”
Also an employee of the White Pass Ski Area who indulges in winter action sports too, Petersen has called East Lewis County a “skate park desert” in the past. Once winter ends and the snow melts, many skiers and snowboarders also take part in action sports like skateboarding and rollerblading to pass the summer months.
“I’m really excited for the skate shop to grow, to grow the skating community and to get a skate park in our town,” Petersen added.
In fact, at a recent town hall for local business owners, Petersen passed around a petition to get support from them to build the skate park.
“During that time, three kids on skateboards rolled by in the background,” she said.
Currently, Ripley’s Skate Shop has gear for skateboards, longboards, inline and quad skates, and even some brand new skiboards from Summit Skiboards.
Petersen added she has plenty of plans for growing the business over the coming winter season too, including offering skiboard rentals for those planning on heading up to White Pass.
As for actual snowboards and skis for sale, she isn’t sure she has room for that at Ripley’s in Morton, but does plan on offering a selection of winter sports accessories, like gloves, hats and helmets. A waxing station for skis and snowboards might be in the works too.
“I do want to get (BMX) bike stuff, but I’m unable to open a bike mechanic service station here,” said Petersen. “You have to be a certified bike technician or mechanic to be a service place, and to get actual bike parts and stuff, you have to have that certification. With the way the shop is set up coming in through the hallway, I’m unable to accommodate being a full-service bike shop. I would, however, like to get BMX accessories and tubes … probably get some grips, valve caps, pegs and helmets. I can get you (parts) upon request potentially if you need something. But this is a skate shop, and bike parts are very specific, you really need to speak to a certified bike tech to get the right stuff. But there’s so many biker people, I want to support them too.”
She added she also plans to have Ripley’s Skate Shop’s online store finished before the winter season starts this year for online sales.
Ripley’s Skate Shop is located at 277 Main Ave. in Morton. For more information, follow the skate shop on its official Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ripleysss, or visit https://ripleysss.com/.
