New Plan for skateNelson.org
There is a new plan for Sk8Nelson. Originally the idea was to build an all-concrete skatetopia that would act as a regional draw as well as serve the skating needs of local boarders. That plan is still in place, but it is on the long term track. The fast track plan is to build a quality half-pipe with a unique design to serve novice and advanced skaters alike as well as vertical and street riders. We have professionally engineered plans to build a park quality, durable ramp. It will be a 6′ halfpipe, 24′ long, with 14′ of ramp bottom. Two 8′ ramp “wings” will come off the sides of the ramp floor. These will be lower ramps where new skaters can learn to drop and hone skills while rail and box grinders can use them for momentum. Portable rails and boxes can placed on the 14′ X 24′ ramp floor for ollie artists.
This design isn’t cheap, but it is attainable. Total cost with volunteer labor will be $8500. SkateNelson.org currently has $4500. WE NEED $4000! As soon as we get the funding we can start construction on this free, public skate ramp. It’s time to push for some funding. Getting this ramp built will go a long way to improving the quality of life in Nelson county, for skaters and non-skaters. It will mean less driving to Charlottesville or Lynchburg sk8parks. It will be a social spot to gather and watch athletes having fun. It will be a healthy outlet where our youth to get exercise.
$4000 is a lot of money, especially these days. I’m hoping to have a benefit concert at Cardinal Point Winery this summer, but realistically, we need more funding sources. If each member of SkateNelson generated $40 in tax deductible donations, we’d have what we need for this project (contact me if you want to know how to donate). I’m new to fundraising so I’m not sure this is realistic.
Any other ideas out there? Let’s get this done soon. It’s really pretty exciting, I think.
Sounds like a good plan. It’ll be nice to see something started up and taking shape. The step by step method is a good way to peak interest and recognition. It’s exactly how the Charlottesville park got boosted into the forefront of the Parks Departments plans. I had built a ramp for the Franklin Graham organization; once they were done with it they gave it to me and I in turn gave it to the city and moved it in place where the bowl is now. That prompted them to build the rest of the park – sweet.
It’s great to see things happening faster these days (although I’m sure a lot of you guys aren’t feeling like it’s moving that fast. Don’t feel bad; I was involved in trying to get the park in Charlottesville for over 25 years before it finally happened – whew, think about that: 25 YEARS).
I’ll start the ‘new’ fund raising with a match of what Skatenelson can come up with in the next two weeks up to $300 (I’ll do a minimum of $200). Show me who else wants a ramp out there!
Excellent Duane! And I like the background info on the genesis of the C’ville skatepark. That’s what I hope happens with us.
So, we need some $$ pledges, now. Get you’re parents to pledge, get a school club to pledge… pledge yourself. You’re going to do it sooner or later. Do it now and it’ll be doubled. — Tim
I’ll throw in $150, help build it, and help shred it to pieces one rad grind at a time.
Way to go, Tim! Would be nice not to have to drive very far….what about the sk8ate kids having a fundraiser? as? a car wash or something on that order?
Denise
Nice Jason… very cool, though not the “shred to pieces” part. How about a skateNelson collection jar at the brewery, too?
I’ve never done a car wash. Are they lucrative? I was thinking that if kids had unwanted stuff that would sell on eBay, they could donate that to the cause and I’d handle listing/selling. Also clears out the clutter.