Press Release: Tony Hawk’s Nonprofit Awards $15,000 Grant to Rebuild Silverado Skatepark
(LONG BEACH, CA – JUNE 13, 2022) – Thanks to Tony Hawk’s nonprofit The Skatepark Project, Long Beach’s Action Sports Kids (ASK) Foundation is one step closer to actualizing a dream for kids and skaters in West Long Beach: a new skatepark for Silverado Park. Located in a diverse community, Silverado Skatepark is in a haven for youth in an area with limited recreational opportunities – but it is in a state of disrepair. ASK is leading the way to revitalize the skatepark, and is now significantly closer to its goal thanks to a $15,000 donation from The Skatepark Project.
“We are proud to support the Silverado Skatepark and the community of West Long Beach with this grant. It’s wonderful to see the passion and drive from this community that is eager to create a safe and inclusive space that will benefit skaters, youth and community members for generations to come,” said Executive Director of The Skatepark Project, Benjamin Bashein.
“The ASK Foundation and the Long Beach community are so grateful to Tony Hawk and The Skatepark Project for this generous donation,” said Mike Donelon, Founder and Executive Director of ASK. “To help make this dream a reality, we are asking the community to help us raise an additional $125,000 to open a new skatepark at Silverado Park open by the end of the year.” Donelon hopes to reach the fundraising goal by August.
Donations can be made online at asklongbeach.org. All contributions are tax deductible. Large donations can be made by check to:
Ask Foundation
6245 E. Golden Sands Dr.
Long Beach, CA 90803
Donelon stated, “Our mission at ASK is to empower youth through sports, education, and community. This skatepark is in an underserved area and was heavily used. Rebuilding it will bring back a beloved activity and after school alternative for at-risk youth.”
Mayor Robert Garcia and the Long Beach City Council are some of the biggest supporters of the grassroots campaign to restore the skatepark, Donelon emphasized. ASK’s designs were created with input from the community and from skaters.
As it stands today, Silverado Skatepark is made up of a hodgepodge of aging materials, some reclaimed from a prior skatepark in Long Beach and others donated by the Dew Tour, formerly held in Long Beach. The new 5,000 square-foot design is streamlined yet varied, allowing for skaters to practice different tricks and skills with room for multiple skaters to enjoy the facilities at one time.
Chris Montemayor, who grew up using the skate park, reflected: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. Love and care for our community is important, and we will not give up on this project.”
“Silverado Park, as a gem of parks in Long Beach will shine brighter from the energy and enthusiastic embrace from skaters and a restored skate park,” said Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Director Brent Dennis.
About the Action Sports Kids (ASK) Foundation: The ASK Foundation is a non-profit in Long Beach, California dedicated to providing youth an alternative to the streets and gangs through sports, education and community involvement. The Long Beach Skate Park Program, considered one of the most successful in the country, has proven to lower crime, build self-esteem, keep kids in school and has saved the lives of many of our most at-risk youth. The skate team is now more than 175 members, and applications continue to come in every day.
About The Skatepark Project: Founded by Tony Hawk, The Skatepark Project (TSP) is a nonprofit organization working to increase access to outdoor recreation and free play through the creation of safe and inclusive community skateparks. TSP provides the resources, advocacy skills, grants and fellowship programs that guide skaters in creating their own community skateparks, from conception through construction. This is a collaborative process between skaters and city authorities to invest in capital improvements that will enrich a community for decades. The Skatepark Project’s grant programs have awarded over $10 million to help fund nearly 700 public skateparks in all 50 States, enjoyed by an estimated 6 million people annually. The organization’s International Program has provided technical and financial support to assist youth through the Skateistan educational programs in Afghanistan, Cambodia, and South Africa. To get involved, visit https://skatepark.org/.
Press Contact:
Samantha Mehlinger
VP Communications, LBCVB
SamanthaM@longbeachcvb.org
562-896-3290