Indoor snowboarding, skateboarding park open for riders in Fenton

FENTON, Michigan — Riders at the Misfit Lab Skate and Snow Park were getting creative this afternoon in attempt to build up speed and less friction for their skis and snowboards.

FLI0124+indoor+snowboard1.JPGView full sizeJason Ballard, 10, of Linden, uses the indoor snowboarding slope at Misfit Lab Skate and Snow Park in Fenton.

Their solution to getting the best grip on the powder pack synthetic surface: hand soap.

"It's a more comfortable ride because you don't feel as much restriction," said 15-year-old Linden resident Bryce Holmgren after jetting down the makeshift slope on a set of skis, while 22-year-old Grand Blanc resident Dustin Alvey noted "And your kids go home squeaky clean."

The facility at 400 Fenway Drive opened Dec. 17 for riders on snowboards, skis, roller blades, bicycles and includes a full retail shop.

A foam pit and trampoline area for riders to practice aerial tricks remains under construction, but owner Shaun Hamilton said it's set to be up and running later this week.

Hamilton, 31, who's been snowboarding and skateboarding for 18 years open, opened the business with wife Tera Hamilton after planning for a year and searching for the right location and provide a year-round option.

"Here there's no ruts to catch," he said. "You're going to always have a nice, smooth surface to ride or land on."

Hamilton called the place an alternative for kids looking to grow into their interest and skill sets.

"Team sports aren't for everybody. You get the kid that doesn't go out for the football team," he said. "We're never happier than when we are on our snowboard or skateboard. It's our little place to get away."

Alvey, a snowboard instructor at the facility, has been riding for 14 years and called the synthetic surface "really fun stuff."

"It's the next best thing to snow," he said. "I see it's for the people who are bored and for the riders who want to progress more."

Holgrem enjoys riding because of the adrenaline rush associated with the sport.

"The feeling you get when you push yourself and you're not entirely comfortable," he said. "The endorphine you get are amazing."

Linden resident Nik Brost, 15, said the synthetic surface differs from the outdoors because of the speed you can build up on a longer run, but he said the mishaps are no different.

"When you fall, it's kind of the same thing," he laughed. "If you hit the rail, it's the same feeling."

Tera Hamilton designed the 2,300 square-foot course with interchangeable features, and she named the business after her band of 'misfit' pets at home that include five cats, a bird and poodle.

The couple used to have a course in their backyard labeled the 'misfit lab.' Both Tera and Shaun have ridden for years, while 4-year-old son Liam began riding more than two years ago and three-month old daughter Eva on hand to watch the other riders.

"We're just glad we could bring this place," said Tera, 26, an emergency room nurse at Hurley Medical Center, of bringing the facility to the community. "We've opened for them. It's their park, not ours."

For more information on the Misfit Lab Skate and Snow Park, visit their website at

or call 810-629-5001.

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