(Photo Courtesy: Gary Smith owner of Vu skateboard shop)
The Skatepark of Baltimore Inc. is proud to announce the completion of the final phase of construction of the skatepark facility in Hampden’s Roosevelt Park.
Over 50 skateboard enthusiasts braved near freezing temperatures to celebrate the park’s first lighted session with an impromptu inaugural skate session on the night of Tuesday, December 11th. The park’s new sports lighting, as well as seating, landscaping, and shade structures represent a $350,000 investment and the completion of construction of the million dollar facility, as well as the fulfillment of SoB’s original Mission: the construction of a world class, public, concrete, destination skatepark in the City of Baltimore. Founded in 2006, the three phases of skatepark construction and years of work have created a community asset that serves the needs of over 30,000 youth and young adults annually.
The project to construct this facility has been led by the nonprofit Skatepark of Baltimore Inc. and its founder and President Stephanie Murdock. SoB has worked tirelessly to secure funding from state, local, and community sources, leading a group of 100’s of dedicated volunteers to build public support and see this project to completion. Asked for comment, Murdock stated, “Seeing the park lit up for the first time was like realizing our own “Field of Dreams.” This park will provide recreational opportunities for the youth of Baltimore for the next twenty years, touching the lives of close to one million young people.”
Given the demand for quality recreational facilities throughout Baltimore, SoB remains committed to the development of additional world class skateparks, and other skateable features, throughout Baltimore City. Working with city and state agencies, as well as nonprofits and community groups, and a host of community supporters, we will continue to advocate for the construction of additional skatepark facilities in communities across the Baltimore region, as well as promoting skateboarding within the community.
SoB would like to thank the donors who made this park possible including: The Abell Foundation, The Tony Hawk Foundation, The Clayton Baker Trust, The Johns Hopkins Neighborhood Fund, BGE and The University of Baltimore.
A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony will be planned for the upcoming year.
