Tony Hawk tests out the new transitions at the Lakeside, California public skatepark. In their pursuit of a quality, concrete skatepark, advocacy group Friends Of The Lakeside Skatepark sought Technical Assistance from the Tony Hawk Foundation since they launched their project in 2009, and later qualified for a THF Skatepark Grant. Photo by Jody Morris.
Are you in need of a skate park in your community and you are lacking the financial resources and the know-how to get it done? Well, the answers you are looking for are available at the Tony Hawk Foundation. Tony and his crew are not only well-versed in the process of making it happen, they truly care about getting a skatepark built in your town as much as you do. Since 2002, The Tony Hawk Foundation has helped with funding assistance and, even more importantly, information assistance for 557 pubic parks in the U.S. If you are interested in applying for a grant, the apllication process is open until January 19th, 2015. Check out all the info below to get the process started and a big thanks to Tony and all those at the foundation for making a positive impact on our beloved skateboard community. – WORDS BY DAN LEVY
PRESS RELEASE:
Entering its fourteenth year supporting at-risk youth, the Tony Hawk Foundation has opened its application for grants to help fund the construction of free, public skateparks in low-income communities across the U.S. Applications can be accessed via the foundation’s Web site at www.tonyhawkfoundation.org, and are being accepted through January 19, 2015.
Since 2002, THF has promoted the development of safe, sanctioned spaces for youth to skateboard through tactical technical assistance, as well as funding. To-date, the foundation has awarded over $5.2-million dollars to help create 557 public skateparks in all 50 States. THF also supports international programming that enriches the lives of youth through skateboarding.
Domestically, THF’s support for the creation of free public skateparks continues to have great positive impact in the 465 communities that have completed their skateparks, thus far. “Every skatepark is the result of local youth declaring to their community that they need recreational access, too,” says THF Programs Director Peter Whitley. “Wherever you see a skatepark, you are looking at thousands of hours of volunteer work.”
The best place for skatepark advocates to start is www.publicskateparkguide.org. Created in conjunction with the nonprofit Skaters For Public Skateparks and the International Association Of Skateboard Companies, the Public Skatepark Development Guide covers the entire skatepark-development process, including information on management and programming your new public skatepark. The Public Skatepark Development Guide was written by THF Programs Director Peter Whitley, with input from dozens of successful skatepark advocates across the U.S., and is the most cited resource among past THF Skatepark Grant applicants.
For more information about the Tony Hawk Foundation or to access the skatepark-grant application, visit www.tonyhawkfoundation.org.
THF’s annual Holiday Auction is also currently live on eBay. Featuring several unique items and experiences, the Holiday Auction is one of several annual THF fundraising initiatives that help support the programs and services the foundation offers. Bid on a custom Triumph motorcycle, Tony Hawk’s personal used skateboard, signed Taylor Guitars, VIP access to Lollapalooza, a SONY Action Cam bundle, and more at www.THFauction.org. Auction closes Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 10 AM (PST).
Tony Hawk Foundation
A charitable, non-profit organization, the Tony Hawk Foundation was established in 2002 by its namesake, professional skateboarder Tony Hawk. THF promotes and provides technical assistance and funds for high-quality public skateparks in low-income areas throughout the United States that promote healthy, active lifestyles, and to International programs that enrich the lives of youth through skateboarding.
Domestically, the Foundation’s Skatepark Grant program has awarded over $5.2-million to 557 communities in all 50 states. The Foundation focuses on working with local officials and grassroots, community-based organizations that plan to hire designers and contractors with strong experience designing and building skateparks.
The Foundation’s International Program has provided technical support and awarded $100,000 to assist youth through the Skateistan educational programs in Afghanistan, Cambodia, and South Africa.
The Tony Hawk Foundation was established by a gift from Tony Hawk. Its directors raise additional funds through events, industry donations, and continuing contributions from Tony and other entities. For more information or to make a donation, visit the Foundation’s Web site at www.tonyhawkfoundation.org. You can also visit THF on Facebook and Instagram @tonyhawkfoundation, and on Twitter @THF.
