Grand Openings Galore – Native and Indigenous Skatepark Highlights.
The Skatepark Project recently celebrated the grand opening of three new skateparks, each in different indigenous communities across the country. Additionally, two other skateparks on native and indigenous land have received grant funding from TSP and are working to get parks built in their communities. We are proud to be a part of these amazing projects and wanted to share some highlights from each grand opening as well as an update on the skateparks still underway!
Diné Skate Garden
Navajo Nation; Two Grey Hills Chapter, New Mexico
The Two Grey Hills Skatepark in Navajo Nation hosted a public grand opening event on April 10th. This is a remote community nestled in the Chuska Mountains between Shiprock and Gallup, which previously had no outdoor sports recreational facilities. The Diné Skate Garden Project is a Navajo-led collaboration between Diné owned brand 4KINSHIP, the local Diné community, tribal officials, and many dedicated supporters, mentors, and volunteers, to provide a positive outlet for the youth to engage in the transformative sport of skateboarding and express themselves creatively.
Free as a Bird Skatepark
Tohono O'odham Nation; GuVo District, Southeast Arizona
With a powerful community gathering, the GuVo District celebrated the first-ever skatepark in the Tohono O’odham Nation at its grand opening on March 15th! The event was especially joyous as this skatepark has been years in the making and is a true testament to the community’s resilience and commitment to the health and well-being of their young people.
“The ‘Free as a Bird’ skatepark has made history in the GuVo District and in the Tohono O’odham Nation. This skatepark will provide a safe place for our youth for generations to come. Without the support from The Skatepark Project and our donors, this dream would not be a reality.” – Selina Jesus, NAAF’s Sr. Director of Programs & Tribal Relations
.During the grand opening, guests and community members were invited to skate the park alongside local legends from the Tucson Skatepark Alliance and enjoy crafts and food from local vendors. Young people from the Tohono O’odham Nation scored prizes like BMX bikes, skateboards, and scooters, which were promptly put to good use in the park.
Warm Springs Skatepark
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs; Central Oregon
The Warm Springs Skatepark in the center of the Warm Springs reservation officially opened on March 29th! The new park boasts a range of features such as quarter pipes, ledges, rails, and a variety of other obstacles designed to cater to skateboarders of all levels. The opening and board giveaway was attended by over 500 enthusiastic skateboarders, community leaders, and partners, who were all excited to witness the new skatepark finally come to life.
“That’s the biggest thing: seeing that ray of light,” – Michael Collins, Warm Springs Director of Managed Care, told writer Thacher Schmidt in a piece for the PTM foundation. “Something positive, something nice is happening in our community. It makes people feel proud about where they live, where they come from.”Guest speakers at the grand opening noted the power of collective action and the incredible group effort that went into rebuilding the park so that generations of Warm Springs residents could have a safe space to be creative, work through challenges, and build lasting friendships.We’re deeply grateful to the whole TSP community for rallying to make this skatepark a reality. Thanks to you, we were able to raise the necessary support to fund the expansion of the project.
Seneca Nation of Indians Skateparks
Seneca Nation of Indians Allegany Territory, NY, and Cattaraugus Territory, NY
Additionally, two indigenous communities in the Seneca Nation of Indians have been awarded Built to Play Skatepark Grants from The Skatepark Project and our partner Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation. The first is in Cattaraugus Community Center in the Cattaraugus Territory, just south of Buffalo. CCC Skatepark will be a community skatepark that will serve a mostly rural community that has a need for more free recreational opportunities for its youth.
The second skatepark is currently under construction in the Seneca Nation’s Allegany Territory in the Southern Tier of New York. This larger skatepark will serve the local Seneca Nation Territory, as well as neighboring municipalities and communities.
TSP is grateful for the dedicated community members and advocates who are working hard to get skateparks built for their young people, and for our generous supporters and partners who make it all possible. Together, we're creating safe and fun places for youth in traditionally underserved, remote areas to enjoy skateboarding and build community.
Special thanks to our partners on these projects:
4KINSHIP, 5th Pocket Skateparks, CEMEX, Collective Concrete, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, CORE Response, Dynacraft, DC Shoes, Dehen, DLX Skateshop, Di’Orr Greenwood, Enchantment Skate Shop, Endure Skate Park Group, The Ford Family Foundation, Ginew, The GuVo District, Inspiring Children Foundation, Jefferson County Commissioners, Jewel, John Gardner, The Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation, Native American Advancement Foundation, Nixon, Nouns DAO, PTM Foundation, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, The Roundhouse Foundation, Seneca Nation of Indians, Skatelite, Steven Paul Judd, Tactics, Triple Eight, Tucson Skatepark Alliance, Vans, Visit Central Oregon, Wonders Around the World, AND a big thank you to TSP’s community of individual donors and volunteers.
Skateparks Are Just the Beginning — Help Us Build What Comes Next!