Indeed We Can: City of Skate

It’s year 4 of the Indeed We Can x City of Skate party! This year is going to be a heavy one! Join us on Wednesday, April 1st as we raise a glass in support of World Class Skateparks.

This year the Indeed We Can event will become the staging area for the first ever Minnesota Skatepark Advocacy Day. More info below:

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SKATEPARK ADVOCACY DAY 4/2

Join us for the first ever Skatepark Advocacy Day on Thursday, April 2nd, from 8:00am -2:15pm.

RSVPs are appreciated. Your RSVP helps us put you in direct contact with your State representatives. To RSVP go here – http://www.cityofskate.org/skateparkday

8:00am-12:00pm: Check in at the City of Skate Info Table (Rathskeller Cafeteria in Main Capital Building) Advocate and meet with your Senator and Representative about support for MN Skate Park Grant Bill.

12:00pm – 1:00pm: Skateboarding Demonstration (Capitol South Stairs)

1:30pm – 2:15pm Presentation (Capitol Rotunda)

RSVP at www.cityofskate.org/skateparkday and we will send you more information about your State Reps!

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ABOUT STATEWIDE SKATEPARK FUNDING

Touching all corners of the state, the Skate Park Grant Program will fuel a skatepark infrastructure initiative, led by the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission, that will catalyze the construction of world class public skateparks throughout Minnesota.

These two bills will 1) provide matching funds for new quality public skatepark construction and 2) support
much needed public skatepark renovations throughout the state of Minnesota.

$2.5M of these funds will take the form of project grants of up to $250,000, given directly to interested cities. At least 50% of these projects will be funded outside the Twin Cities metro area.

$3.75M for grants of up to $750,000 that will provide funding for new construction of public skateparks with a regional impact.

$2M toward new construction on a large regional public skatepark that will provide a statewide draw.

Why support funding for public skateparks?

Public skateparks are youth-centered community spaces that safely serve the recreation needs of kids, especially appealing to teens looking for their own spaces.

Parks also serve parents looking for a safe community space to support their child’s interest in learning a new sport.

Public skateparks offer a low barrier to participation and a free, inclusive recreation outside of organized clubs and paid programs.

Skateparks serve people of all ages, genders, and economic backgrounds including adults looking for individually-directed recreation options.

Public skateparks are places of social exchange much like a playground with creative, undefined play space. Skateparks provide a flexible venue in which peers can enjoy skateboarding, BMXriding, scootering and blading and other safe, social activities.

Public skateparks promote an active lifestyle while also benefiting the mental health of our communities. These active sports build confidence, require bravery, discipline, learning strategies, goal-setting and grit. Activities like skateboarding not only improve physical health, but are shown
to improve academic performance and reduce at-risk factors in American youth.

Support the Minnesota Skate Park Grant Program Bill

Well-designed, quality public skateparks can provide a real economic benefit. Skateparks have been known to help turn blighted or underutilized areas of a city or community into vibrant recreation areas, attractive to new business and community investment.

Public skateparks require very little maintenance. Professionally designed and built skateparks will provide years of support without any significant attention. There is no other public attraction that can boast the same return on investment as a concrete skatepark.

Skateboarding is an Olympic worldwide sport. Skateboarding competition will make its Men’s& Women’s debut at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games just one week after X Games
Minneapolis.