Blade Park: A Legacy of Love and Fingerboarding
Some say that a pet leaves a paw print on your heart, but for me, my cat Blade left an entire legacy. Blade wasn’t just any cat—she was my companion, my little grey and white shadow, and one of the most playful souls to have ever graced my life.
She loved to chase fingerboards, swatting them across the floor with the precision of a seasoned pro. It was as if she knew, deep down, that she belonged in our world of skating, even if her board was only three inches long.
Blade came into my life, along with her sibling Critter, as a gift from my good friend Jay Addison. Jay, the man with the golden voice, was more than just a friend—he was the master of ceremonies for our first-ever Blade Fingerjam, an event that set the foundation for fingerboarding in our community. He elevated the scene with his energy, making every trick and every run feel like the X Games of miniature skateboarding.
That first Fingerjam was a milestone, drawing over 60 competitors, each one as hyped as the next. As a tribute to Blade’s love for the sport, we even gave away 20 special Blade Fingerboards featuring a graphic of her playing with a fingerboard. It was a celebration of her spirit and of the community she unknowingly helped shape.
Blade was with me for 14 incredible years. When she passed, it left a void that only those who’ve lost a pet truly understand. But I’ve always believed that grief can be transformed into something beautiful.
Just like with my past pets—Spike the Cat, my striking tuxedo boy, and Critter, who even has her own pro-model board—I wanted to honor Blade’s memory in a way that would live on beyond my sorrow. That’s how Blade Park came to be.
I built Blade Fingerboard Park so that her playful spirit would never be forgotten. “If you build it, they will come,” I thought. And come they did. What started as a tribute became a hub, a community, a place where fingerboarders of all levels could gather, create, and share their passion. Blade’s legacy continued through every kickflip, grind, and impossible trick that took place on those ramps.
To this day, her poster watches over the park, reminding us all that she was there from the very start. The spirit of Blade Park isn’t just about fingerboarding—it’s about giving back. Entry to the park is simple: if you can afford it, bring cat food. Every donation goes to local animal shelters like the SPCA, ensuring that other animals in need get the love and care they deserve. That’s the kind of positive karma Blade would have wanted.
At CalStreets Boarder Labs, our love for animals is part of our identity. From the sandwich board outside to the till inside, our cats have always been a part of our shop. Over the years, we’ve welcomed not just cats, but lizards, hedgehogs, dogs, and even a chicken or two. Our shop isn’t just pet-friendly—it’s pet-celebrating.
Blade Park stands as a testament to the impact that one little cat had on an entire community. Through her, we built something that has lasted over a decade, and that will continue to grow. Her story is woven into every ramp, every trick, and every moment of joy that happens in that space. And as long as there are fingerboarders rolling, Blade’s memory will keep riding right along with them.
Thank you all for your unwavering support, for keeping Blade’s spirit alive, and for being a part of this journey with me. Your kindness, memories, and shared passion mean more than words can express. It’s because of this incredible community that Blade’s legacy continues to thrive, and I’m deeply grateful to each and every one of you for being here. With heartfelt appreciation, Rick Tetz.
