New Skatepark on the Horizon for Downtown Raleigh
RALEIGH, N.C. (Dec. 1, 2022) Local leaders and young skate enthusiasts have come together to advocate and raise funds for Skate Raleigh, an organization dedicated to bringing a new skatepark to downtown Raleigh slated to open in Spring of 2023.
Skate Raleigh was born when Adrian Mangano, junior at Enloe High School and president of Enloe Skate Club, and his friends lacked safe, public spaces to practice their sport. Skateboarding is often limited or outlawed in some communities, which can limit opportunities for youth who are looking for a healthy physical outlet.
“Having limited safe places to skate negatively impacts Raleigh's youth,” says Adrian. “We are often pushed to private property or distant locations. Building a dynamic community space central to downtown will help our sport flourish and bring new participants."
Skate Raleigh was soon created by Adrian and other skate/bike/roller enthusiasts. The group saw an opportunity to help build a safe space for these sports, and create an inclusive, active community for all ages. Earlier this year, Skate Raleigh engaged New Line Design, a professional skatepark design company, to develop plans for the proposed site. These plans were presented and approved by the City of Raleigh’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department.
"Skating and other action sports have evolved to be inclusive and diverse sports with very low barriers to entry,” says Cody Charland, Skate Raleigh’s Executive Director. “ I believe creating a unique space within Raleigh and partnering with the park system to do so will bring a sorely needed amenity to our community."
Raleigh leaders quickly hopped on board, seeing the positive impact a skatepark would have in Raleigh’s downtown community.
"Skate Raleigh is a great example of the type of public/private partnerships I believe we need as a city to realize Raleigh's potential,” said Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin. “These local leaders came together and galvanized the community to support building this much needed skatepark that will immediately activate an important city corridor."
Sig Hutchinson, Chair of Wake County Commissioners added, "Wake County has always been a leader in greenways and parks, most evident by the passage of the recent parks bond. Having this skatepark is just another way that demonstrates the community's commitment to bike and skate recreation as an important amenity for our county."
Skate Raleigh has partnered with the City of Oaks Foundation, a fully registered 501(c)(3) charity, as the fiscal sponsor for the project in order to make the skatepark a reality. Officially named Conlon Family Skatepark after its primary donor, Skate Raleigh will lease city-owned property for the skatepark from 2023 to 2025 until it finds a permanent location downtown or the city decides to extend the lease.
Skate Raleigh has raised over 60% of the funds needed to design and build the skatepark. In order to break ground, the organization needs to raise 100% of the funds, which total $400,000. If you are interested in donating to the project, all donations are tax-deductible. You can support the organization via purchase of freshly designed t-shirts and hoodies or direct donation through Skate Raleigh’s website: skateraleigh.com/support.
To learn more about Skate Raleigh or schedule an interview, please email Cody Charland or Steve Mangano at info@skateraleigh.com
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About Skate Raleigh
Skate Raleigh was founded by a group of Raleigh citizens to promote and advocate for the action sports community of Raleigh. While its initial focus is on building an interim skatepark at Raleigh’s future Smoky Hollow park, the organization’s goals are to advance the recreational opportunities for skateboards, scooters, bmx bikes, roller blading and roller skating.
