Don't you just love it when technology works for you, not against you? I'm not talking in a "robots will rise up against us and overthrow humanity" sort of way (though they will, so watch your Roomba), but more along the lines of "maps are neat-o and useful."

More specifically, Google Maps, the topography arm of the would-be conquerers of the Internets. The beauty of Google Maps is not only that it can point you from one direction to another (online or on your phone), but that you can also create your own map.

I bring this up because colleague and graphic magician Jeff Woodbury started a Google Map a few months back on a whim as a way of locating skate parks around the area. After trying unsuccessfully to locate a one-stop source of information on skate parks in the state, Jeff wanted to create a resource for people to not only find maps, but also add parks to the map.

Now, it would take Jeff considerable time to track down any addresses and phone numbers for the parks - let alone find a way to confirm whether they actually exist.

So he decided to leave the map open - as in, if you know of a park, just add it to the map. Simple as pie.

Since the map also includes skateboarding gear stores, this morning I went in and added Sunny Breeze Boardsports, and it only took a few minutes.

That's why I'm throwing it out to all of you - if you know of a skate park, all you have to do is go to the map, click on edit, and add a place marker with info on your neighborhood park. If you know a skateboarder, pass along the link. Tell your friends, parents and neighbors, because the more hands involved, the more likely the map will be a success.

Hopefully by the time Portand's new skate park is built the map will have plenty of other locations for board riders to visit.

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