OVERVIEW
Why skateboarding?
01
It Builds
Community
“Skateparks encourage youth to develop healthy, active lifestyles. Research shows that skateboarding and the communities that form at skateparks help young people build connections that benefit their socio-emotional wellbeing.
Skateparks are also havens of diversity, where youth of all backgrounds gather and connect through their common love of the sport.” - Tony Hawk
02
It Improves Mental Health
Skateboarding improves mental health. A recent study from The Skatepark Project and USC revealed that 76% of people skate to have fun, and 62% skate to get away from stress. (University of Southern California - Beyond The Board Study)
03
It Encourages
Resilience
Skateboarding encourages resilience. The nature of skateboarding requires skaters to learn on their own and develop their own strategies to succeed. Skaters frequently perform a trick hundreds of times over long periods before developing proficiency or experiencing reward for the efforts. Skaters in the study reported that they apply these lessons of
resilience to their lives outside of skateboarding. (University of Southern California - Beyond The Board Study)
04
It Fosters Collaboration
“Skateboarding is a pro-social activity that provides an
opportunity for relationship building both non-verbally and
verbally. A skateboard affords the kids an opportunity to teach and learn from each other, as well as to learn skateboard etiquette which then helps with socialization.”
(Dr. Emily Wang, Ph.D., R. Psych. Hull Services, Calgary)
05
It is Affordable
for All
Skateboarding is the third least expensive sport (out of 2 1
of the most popular sports, annual average spending on one child, behind only track and field and flag football). (Aspen Institute/Utah State University 2019 National Youth Sports Survey (1,032 youth sport parents)
As of 4/2/2025 we have raised $60,000
THE PROJECT
This project has been started by a truly diverse group of community members, who are all passionate about having a skatepark in Ennis, Montana. We are a collection of teens, parents, Lions Club members, and adult skateboarders, who understand the joy and impact that a community skatepark will bring to people of all ages in our community.
How you can help
There are many ways you can help! We are looking for:
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Monetary donations (donate here). All donations go directly to the Lions Club specifically of this project.
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In kind donations and project sponsorships (gravel, rebar, concrete)
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Help with grant writing
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Fundraising (host your own fundraiser)
A town coming together
LOCATION
A space that's just the right size
The local Lions Club has generously donated an area in the park that is the perfect size for a skatepark and safe from the flood zone. A triangular shape, it will make for an interesting and fun design challenge! The area measures 60x100x116, providing 6,000 square feet of space.
OUR TEAM
They can't wait!
FAQ
Your Questions, Answered
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How will we fund this project?Our hope is to engaged and work closely with Montana Pool Service (Jeff Ament's organization) to fund, design, and construct our local skatepark. Jeff, a Montana native and member of Pearl Jam, has made it his life's mission to help build connections and community through skateboarding. We will also look to work with the Montana Skatepark Association, another prominent organization that provides consulting and funding. In combination with local funding from individuals and various organizations, we hope to raise the funds required to build a skatepark within the next year. https://www.montanaskatepark.org https://montanapoolservice.com
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How are kids driving this process?We have a team of local kids and teens that are passionate about driving this project forward. With the support of school administrators, they will be involved in driving awareness, working on a logo contest, writing grants, and driving donations. Ennis currently has no safe, appropriate location to skateboard or scooter, and we have some kids in town who love these activities as much as others love football, baseball, and track.
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Who is on the team and can you participate?Yes! If you would like to help and be involved, please email us at team@ennislionsskatepark.org. Our team consists of Lions Club members, Ennis Town Commission members, adult skateboarders, teens, parents, and school administrators. Parker Redmond, Parent and Skateboarder Neal Zucker, Skateboarder Caius Lavelle, Skateboarder Atticus Lavelle, Skateboarder Teegan Brown, Skateboarder Colton Hopper, Skateboarder Jack Leonard, Skateboarder Justin Edge, Skateboarder Lacy Hopper, Parent Ron Hopper, Parent Erin Leonard, Parent Kristen Beveridge, Parent Jared Moretti, School Superintendent Melissa Newman, School Principal Cory Hardy, Town Commission Mariah Cattaneo, Parent Marie Hajny, Lions Club Dave Hajny, Lions Club Corinna Christensen, Lions Club Darcy Wheeler, Parent Chris Ward, Parent Tonya Gustafson, Parent
