Tony Hawk Foundation continues to fund skateparks in low-income communities.
Tony Hawk tests out the new transitions at the Lakeside, California public skatepark. In their pursuit of a quality, concrete skatepark, advocacy group Friends Of The Lakeside Skatepark sought Technical Assistance from the Tony Hawk Foundation since they launched their project in 2009, and later qualified for a THF Skatepark Grant. Photo by Jody Morris.
December 17, 2014 (Vista, CA) – Entering its fourteenth year supporting at-risk youth, the Tony Hawk Foundation has opened its application for grants to help fund the construction of free, public skateparks in low-income communities across the U.S.
Since 2002, THF has promoted the development of safe, sanctioned spaces for youth to skateboard through tactical technical assistance, as well as funding. To-date, the foundation has awarded over $5.2-million dollars to help create 557 public skateparks in all 50 States. THF also supports international programming that enriches the lives of youth through skateboarding.
Domestically, THF’s support for the creation of free public skateparks continues to have great positive impact in the 465 communities that have completed their skateparks, thus far. “Every skatepark is the result of local youth declaring to their community that they need recreational access, too,” says THF Programs Director Peter Whitley. “Wherever you see a skatepark, you are looking at thousands of hours of volunteer work.”
THF’s Technical Assistance Program is designed to help those volunteers demystify the process of navigating City Hall to make a public skatepark a priority for their communities. “Through THF’s technical assistance, advocates are given advice on how to embark on their skatepark campaign,” says Whitley. “They learn how to face adversity with positive response, build consensus, and find funding for a skateboarding facility that will last for generations to come.”
The best place for skatepark advocates to start is our Public Skatepark Development Guide. Created in conjunction with the nonprofit Skaters For Public Skateparks (www.skatepark.org) and the International Association Of Skateboard Companies (www.TheIASC.org), the Public Skatepark Development Guide covers the entire skatepark-development process, including information on management and programming your new public skatepark. The Public Skatepark Development Guide was written by THF Programs Director Peter Whitley, with input from dozens of successful skatepark advocates across the U.S., and is the most cited resource among past THF Skatepark Grant applicants.
THF’s annual Holiday Auction is also currently live on eBay. Featuring several unique items and experiences, the Holiday Auction is one of several annual THF fundraising initiatives that help support the programs and services the foundation offers. Bid on a custom Triumph motorcycle, Tony Hawk’s personal used skateboard, signed Taylor Guitars, VIP access to Lollapalooza, a SONY Action Cam bundle, and more at www.THFauction.org. Auction closes Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 10 AM (PST).
Tony Hawk Foundation
A charitable, non-profit organization, the Tony Hawk Foundation was established in 2002 by its namesake, professional skateboarder Tony Hawk. THF promotes and provides technical assistance and funds for high-quality public skateparks in low-income areas throughout the United States that promote healthy, active lifestyles, and to International programs that enrich the lives of youth through skateboarding.
Domestically, the Foundation’s Skatepark Grant program has awarded over $5.2-million to 557 communities in all 50 states. The Foundation focuses on working with local officials and grassroots, community-based organizations that plan to hire designers and contractors with strong experience designing and building skateparks.
The Foundation’s International Program has provided technical support and awarded $100,000 to assist youth through the Skateistan educational programs in Afghanistan, Cambodia, and South Africa (www.skateistan.org).
The Tony Hawk Foundation was established by a gift from Tony Hawk. Its directors raise additional funds through events, industry donations, and continuing contributions from Tony and other entities. For more information or to make a donation, visit the Foundation’s Web site at www.skatepark.org. You can also visit THF on facebook and Instagram @tonyhawkfoundation, and on Twitter @THF.
