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Who We Are..
Who We Are..
The SP Skate Park is a non-profit operation run by the Spruce Pine Community Enhancement Project (SPCEP) to give skaters and the local community a safe space to skate and have fun. And thanks to the efforts of our members and generous donations from the locals and others, we have established an indoor skate park for the community in Spruce Pine. This skate park was built to give the community a temporary skate spot while we work and raise money for an outdoor skate park. All admission fees and donations go directly toward SP Skate Park to cover all expenses and do any improvements for the skate park.
Group photo of local skaters skating with pro-skateboarder Ace Pelka!
Our Goal
Our Goal
The SP Skate Park is a non-profit operation run by the Spruce Pine Community Enhancement Project (SPCEP). With the rising number of skaters over these past years, we wanted to give skaters and the local community a safe space to skate and have fun. And thanks to the efforts of our members and generous donations from the locals and others, we have established an indoor skate park for the community in Spruce Pine. This skate park was built to give the community a temporary skate spot while we work and raise money for an outdoor skate park. All admission fees and donations go directly toward SP Skate Park to cover all expenses and do any improvements for the skate park.. The idea first started back in summer 2020, with a group of kids trying to make the most out of the year during a pandemic. Within the next couple years the skateboarding scene gradually grew, kids were riding around town or through the park, but for most of the time they were seen on the road. The project was started back in summer 2022, with the purpose of giving a safe place for the skaters and a fun new spot for anyone in the community. The park has been slowly developing since then and with the help from our locals, others and donations, we have achieved and established SP Skate Park.
That being said, we believe the most immediate benefits of building a skate park is the creation of a safe, designated space for skating and other sports. Without a dedicated area, skateboarders, BMX riders, and other skaters are often forced to practice in public spaces like parking lots, streets, or skate on sidewalks, where they might be subjected to traffic or unwanted confrontations with pedestrians. The skatepark can provide a controlled environment where people can practice their skills without fear of injury or disruption. This offers a peace of mind for parents and other members of the community who may otherwise be concerned about safety of themselves or others.
Now with the loss of our beloved Riverside Park due to Hurricane Helene, we now have to face the challenge of rebuilding the infrastructure and the spirit of our beloved town. During these times it is important to have spaces that offer comfort, unity, and opportunities for healing. And we believe the skate park can play a crucial role in this recovery process. It can serve as a symbol of resilience and be a gathering place for social support, the skatepark can help communities recover and grow stronger. In return, the community’s involvement and support can ensure the success and longevity of the skatepark, benefiting everyone in the long term. A skatepark may seem like a small piece of infrastructure in the context of a disaster, but its impact on a community’s recovery can be immense. It offers a space for recreation, healing, and social connection during one of the most challenging times in people’s lives. By helping to rebuild the skatepark, maintaining it, and fostering a culture of support, the community ensures that the park remains a safe and valuable resource for everyone. In turn, the skatepark contributes to the overall resilience of the community, helping its members heal, reconnect, and move forward together. Through this mutual support, the community and the skatepark can emerge from a disaster stronger and more united than ever.
The skate park can provide a safe, low-pressure environment where individuals can engage in physical activity. The act of skateboarding, BMX riding, or simply spending time in a physical space can offer a therapeutic outlet for those who need it, especially children and young people who may struggle with feelings of stress, anxiety, trauma, or any emotional toll that can leave individuals feeling isolated and disconnected after the storm. Physical activity, especially outdoor recreation, has been shown to reduce stress, boost mood, and help people regain a sense of normalcy. The skatepark can serve as an important place for people to clear their minds, socialize, and begin the healing process.
A well-designed skatepark isn’t just a place to skate — it’s a proven tool for youth engagement. Young people often get into trouble when they don’t have access to healthy, structured ways to spend their time. The skatepark provides a constructive, active environment where they can focus their energy on learning, improving, and having fun. Skateboarding is more than a sport — like we said earlier, it’s a community. For many kids, especially those who don’t feel connected to traditional sports or school activities, a skatepark gives them a place to feel included, supported, and valued. Skateboarding teaches persistence, patience, and goal-setting — skills that help keep youth focused and motivated. Many skaters learn to take care of the space, respect others, and mentor younger participants. Instead of skating in streets or vacant lots, kids are in a designated, visible area where parents and community members can keep an eye on them. This deters risky behavior and fosters a safer environment. Idle time and boredom are key risk factors for youth falling into crime, substance use, or vandalism. The skatepark gives them a healthy outlet, surrounded by peers who are passionate and goal-driven.
A skatepark offers far more than just a space for skateboarders. It creates a ripple of positive impacts that benefit the entire community, including those who don’t skate. Skateparks are dynamic public spaces where people naturally gather. Families, photographers, artists, spectators or any non-skater can come to watch, connect, and enjoy the energy. They become safe, inclusive hangouts that encourage social interaction across age groups. Simply being outdoors and engaging in a lively community space encourages healthier lifestyles. The skatepark also attracts foot traffic, nearby businesses — coffee shops, food trucks, retail stores — benefit from the consistent flow of people. Over time, this can help reinvigorate underused areas and support local economic growth.. This can help revitalize underused parts of a town or city. Skateboarding is deeply tied to creativity — through style, movement, art, and music. The skatepark can host events, murals, and performances, becoming a unique space for cultural expression and youth-driven creativity.
This also makes a sense of community which provides a shared space for people to engage with one another, creating a supportive and positive environment. These social interactions can break down barriers of isolation and help young people, in particular, build social skills and networks. A skatepark offers a shared space for individuals to come together and rebuild their sense of connection. As people from various backgrounds and age groups gather to skate or simply support others, it strengthens community bonds.
For young people, skateparks offer more than just fun—they also provide opportunities for personal growth. Through skateboarding, individuals develop important life skills such as perseverance, determination, and patience. Skateboarding is a sport where success is built on failure; individuals must keep trying and pushing through challenges in order to improve their skills. These experiences often translate into increased self-esteem and confidence. Additionally, skateparks can serve as community centers where youth programs, classes, and events are hosted, further contributing to the development of young people. It can also inspire a new wave of volunteerism, creating a ripple effect where people work together to rebuild not only the park but the entire community. The skatepark can be a unifying force, bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together to work toward a common goal.
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