Free Flight Skateboard Park - Carrollton TX

Dick Dillingham, owner of Free Flight, told the park's story in 1997:

"...We had bowls, half-pipes, free skating areas and everything I had seen on my visits to Florida and California to view other parks. Every participant was required to wear a helmet, knee and elbow pads and have a parent's waiver signed in our files. After we had been open less than 60 days, the last of two insurance companies canceled all liability coverage.

We kept the park open for about 17 months, and lost money each month. Attendance fell for two primary reasons:

(1) A few of the skaters became so adept that the beginners felt overwhelmed by the experts.

(2) No girls became involved either as skaters, as viewers and the decline of interest by teenage boys.

We had no serious injuries broken wrists, ankles and legs not counting as serious, but we had no insurance protection. Times change, but certain facts do not. It cost me a lot of money to learn that that side of the fence was not greener."