Temple on Wheels

Cecil B. Moore’s rich history is rooted in community activism, comfortable corner stores and now a community on wheels. The skate park at the corner of Broad St. and Cecil B. Moore Ave. is an accepting and bustling environment; with the strong communal bond being sustained by more than just a love of skateboarding.

By Ryan Tian

If you’ve ever taken a stroll near Broad St. and Cecil B. Moore Ave., more likely than not, you’ve heard a raspy, rhythmic, clickity-clack between pops, creaks, and smacks. The sounds emanate from Cecil B. Moore Station Plaza, effectively dubbed “Cecil” by the skating community.

“I just feel like you’re super free on a skateboard, you can do whatever you want. And just like the feeling of, like, landing a trick is just like different, you know? It keeps me coming back to it,” said Peter Knigge, a freshman majoring in entrepreneurship and innovation management.

It’s not just the satisfaction of landing a trick that keeps students coming back, though; rather, it’s the sense of community.

“I’ve met all my friends there so far this year. I also bring my friends there when I skate and they hang out on the steps. It’s a pretty good community to hang around and I’m very, very grateful for it. It’s given me a lot of connections,” said Keny Burke, a freshman majoring in journalism.

Going to Cecil almost daily has given Burke the opportunity to connect with people she usually wouldn’t and start little conversations with her fellow skaters.

“I would say they’re a pretty close-knit group of people. Even if you’re not hanging out with someone you know day by day, you still recognize most people there who say ‘what’s up’ or something like that. So it’s a good community for sure,” Knigge said.

Convenience is also a big part of why student skaters congregate at Cecil.

“You don’t get bothered, you don’t get kicked out, and you don’t have to go very far,” said Gunner Spaeth, a sophomore film major. “So it’s just very convenient and really nice to be able to go there.”

Cecil has become the go-to spot for not just skaters, but also those looking to relax and have a good time by themselves or with friends. If Burke wants some free time to herself to skate, or sometimes just to sit and read, she will often head to Cecil to enjoy the vibe.

While there are many nice spaces to relax on campus, like the Founders Garden or the terrace between Mazur and Gladfelter hall, Cecil holds a special place in the hearts of students.

“Cecil doesn’t feel like it’s for any one purpose. There aren’t tables and chairs there. You can kind of make it whatever you want it to be, that’s what I really like about it,” Knigge said.

Like a microcosm of the University itself, Cecil is a melding pot for students to meet and bond. And, of course, skate.