*Please note we are unable to accept donations on this page. If you would like to donate to our cause please go to Valpoparks.org and donate under the title “Skatepark or Flounder II Skatepark”-Thank you!

Here is a quick survey to let us know what YOU are looking for in the Valpo skatepark.

http://form.jotform.com/201309089593157

We are the Valparaiso Skatepark Coalition of Valparaiso, Indiana. The VSC consists of a community and collection of members who enjoy participating in the following action sports: Skateboarding, BMX, Scootering, and Rollerblading. Athletes from all over came together here voicing concerns about the need to build a dedicated skatepark that will support Valparaiso and surrounding cities.

Action sports are athletic events that are positive and have always been able to be measured for their skill/innovation. Inducted as Olympic sports, Skateboarding and BMX, these sports have now been recognized on a global level for their impact on today's athletes. All of this acknowledgment lends credibility/validation to these activities and makes it even more important that we begin to break down the barriers/stigmas attached to their sports.

The people of Valparaiso and the surrounding communities are a diverse mix of cultures and beliefs that come together for the greater common cause. We look to partner with various skate organizations around the area to ensure we are creating a completely collective effort in providing skateparks, as well as a larger network of advocates for a common cause. Artists, architects, city officials, teachers, and many other people in the community will be required to truly make this event as extraordinary as possible.

Recent examples that inspire and set the standard for the modern skatepark, built by the L.A. firm Spohn Ranch Skateparks, can be seen at Sheppard Skatepark (Highland) and Hessville Skatepark (Hammond). These parks are shining examples of how the community can advocate and come together to create an incredible place for citizens to enjoy their favorite sports.

Flounder Skatepark, is currently the only location available in Valparaiso for skating, but has become extremely dangerous/dilapidated over time. With lack of funding, graffiti, and removal of elements to ride on this park has been unable to sustain the activities desired by the community. These same conditions can be seen at parks around the county, but many communities, especially more rural ones (Washington Township, Hebron, South Haven, Boone Grove, etc.), just have nowhere at all for riders to go. The construction of a new park will provide an area that will make it much safer for children to ride because they will be off of the street avoiding drivers and making it safer for everyone on the road. Flounder II will also deter riders away from other parts of the city that are not designed for these activities. Many of us engage directly with these sports but the coalition a greater community also filled with citizens who do not participate in these activities but who are still dedicated to the cause through advocacy, parenthood, community engagement, family, or a love for health-positive activities.

We are CURRENTLY TALKING with the Valpo Parks Department developing plans and designs to implement ideas/concepts into this skatepark. The plan is to present the official petition to the city of Valparaiso mid-2020. We look forward to feedback and input from the community in order to make this park the most effective that it can be for the Valparaiso community. Please feel free to comment below and look for our page on Facebook in order to receive updates as this great project progresses.

Thank you for your support!