Public Concrete Skatepark for Vincennes.

Vincennes is Indiana's first city with a population of around 18,500 residents. 

With the growing popularity of skateboarding, BMXing, and scootering, the time for a bigger and better-maintained skatepark is now. 

Lester Square Skatepark has been in use for over 10 years. Over the years, low maintenance, rust, and weathered riding surfaces have made the Lester Square Skatepark nearly un-ride able. Bolts loosen and fall out, never to be replaced. Sharp edges from the metal ramp panels cause extremely dangerous riding conditions. The loud ramps annoy the neighboring community and it's an eye sore to look at. Within the next 5 years, without the proper maintenance (which it's never had), the skatepark will be completely unusable.

Why we need something new: For years, Vincennes has focused more of its funding and community support on attractions such as walking paths, tennis courts, playgrounds, and swimming pools. These attractions rarely see use in certain areas of town, and since there is no demand for such things in those areas of town, the park isn't used at all. Gregg Park is a beautiful city park that welcomes many patrons every day. There are far too many forgotten parks in Vincennes that deserve recognition and use by patrons from all over the county. Most of our city park attractions can be found anywhere, in any town, all across the US. It's time Vincennes brings a new attraction to the city, an attraction that will bring new, out-of-town users to Vincennes. A public, concrete skatepark is exactly what is needed and it will directly impact the areas local business and economy. 

Here's how: The current layout and ramp selection at Lester Square is very common and can be found in several towns and cities within a 50 mile radius. If we offered an original concept, concrete skatepark, Vincennes would be the only city within 60 miles (Terre Haute) with a public, concrete skatepark. A new, concrete public skatepark will bring traveling visitors to Vincennes to not only use the skatepark, but to eat at local restaurants, buy from local business, gas stations, hotels, etc. These are visitors who otherwise would never visit Vincennes. It's been proven to work, and this is a great opportunity to welcome new visitors to our beautiful city and to boost our economy.

Why concrete?: Concrete skateparks are proven to last longer and are much easier to maintain. Our current skatepark ramps are metal and plastic. Heavy usage causes the ramps to bend, break, and fall apart. The weather causes rust and extremely unsafe riding surfaces. Concrete is smoother, lasts longer, and it's extremely easy to maintain. 

How much will it cost?: As with any project, the cost is the biggest issue. The goal of this petition is to raise awareness and gain support so we can raise a portion of the funds ourselves as a community. There will also be a donation box at select drop off points all over the city. If the demand and support for the new skatepark is there, we will apply for grants, set up a GoFundMe page, and work with the city and State of Indiana to complete our goal amount. 

Events: Local skate events, skate contests, and professional skateboard company demos will also play a big factor in the benefits of the new skatepark. With the support of our local skateboard shop, Homebase Skate Supply, we can welcome nationally known professional skateboarders to the city of Vincennes. Events and contests can bring in revenue for the city, the Parks Department, local food vendors, and businesses. 

Please contact me at homebaseskatesupply@hotmail.com with any questions.

Please show your support by signing this petition. 

Thomas | Homebase Skate Supply.

04/07/17: We spoke with the Tony Hawk Foundation and we were given a list of 12 different skatepark builders we can partner with through the foundation. The list has been narrowed down to Grindline Skateparks, Spohn Ranch Skateparks, Team Pain, and SITE Design Group as our design/build team. We have reached out to each builder and we will begin the budget/design phase in the near future. If you want to be a part of this process and you want to share your thoughts, please stay tuned for upcoming meetings and discussions.


04/06/17: Thank you to everyone who has signed, shared, and shown support for this project. We need to continue sharing the petition and gaining attention. Today, I spoke with Steve from the Vincennes Parks Department regarding the future of the skatepark. Fundraising and spreading awareness is our next plan of action to get the ball rolling. We are planning events and contests in the coming weeks to gain some speed. We are also assembling a skatepark advocate group in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

Update #26 years ago
We are now accepting donations of any amount through our GoFundMe fundraising page. Every penny will go towards design & construction of the skatepark. Please share the GoFundMe link and and help spread the word.
https://www.gofundme.com/vincennesskateparkfund
Update #16 years ago
Thank you to everyone who has signed, shared, and shown support for this project. We need to continue sharing the petition and gaining attention. Today, I spoke with Steve from the Vincennes Parks Department regarding the future of the skatepark. Fundraising and spreading awareness is our next plan of action to get the ball rolling. We are planning events and contests in the coming weeks to gain some speed. We are also assembling a skatepark advocate group in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
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