GET INVOLVED / FAQ

WHAT CAN I DO?

• Hop on a board! Get your kid a board! Go skate!

• Join our mailing list for updates and calls to action.

• Follow us and our friends - Skate Essex on Facebook, Skate Essex on Instagram, MHS Skateclub, Boardroom Skate , Unofficial, Shred.Co

• Get informed, share some talking points… (below)

• Show your support around town with a sweet magnet or other swag.

• When we’re able to put together events again or show up in person in front of the township, please attend!

• Volunteer to help - right now, just shoot us an email to info@skateessex.org and let us know if there is anything specific you’d like to help with, but more the merrier.

  • Operationally, we’re looking for… website designers, grant writers, communications experts

• Did we mention… just skate?

PARTNERSHIPS / COMMUNITY

If you are a member of the community who wants to partner with us, please email us at info@skateessex.org

• We’re excited to partner with Design Shed / Montclair Design Week, Shred.co, Underground Skateshop, Montclair Mutual Aid, Northeast Earth Coalition and many others

TALKING POINTS

• The most important thing, for us, is to be a personal advocate to anyone who will listen about the benefits of skateboarding. Here are some common factoids to share!

• Skating is a sport. Did you know skateboarding will be an official Summer Olympic Event in this year?

• Skating is less dangerous than basketball, baseball/softball, football and soccer. (Source)

• Skating is an amazing alternative to team sports for many people. But just because you don’t wear a uniform, it doesn’t mean you don’t have other athletes supporting you.

• There is no greater rush than nailing a trick you’ve practiced all day doing. (Check this out..)

• It’s super hard to play Fortnite or zone out to TikTok whilst skating.

• Why are Skateparks Important?

  • Young People Need Community Support - Skateparks demonstrate that our community is committed to providing healthy options to young people.

  • Kids Seek Fun Places To Go - Healthy play is one of the most enriching activities for young people. We have an important role in providing safe places for kids to play.

  • Friendships Are Formed At Skateparks - people from all walks of life are drawn to skateparks. The shared interest of skateboarding creates diverse relationships that often last a lifetime.

• It is a common myth that skateparks require a high level of liability insurance to cover claims. Here is a link to an Insurance Journal article from 2006 dispelling this.

  • For example, Montclair Township utilizes the Garden State Municipal Joint Insurance Fund (JIF), which is shared with 39 other New Jersey Municipalities. Of those 39 communities, 16 already have skateparks.

FAQ

What Makes a Successful Skatepark?

• Free - Unrestricted public access during park hours without entry cost or check in process.

• Concrete - Concrete offers the design flexibility, durability, minimal maintenance costs & quiet.

• Accessible - Near geographic and walkable area of community. Ideally, in an existing park.

• Professional - Designed & Built by experienced skatepark companies.

• Engaged - Local users (adults & kids) are involved with planning, advocacy, fund raising and design. The park should host community events; lessons, jams, workshops, demos and contests.

• Public - Owned and managed by a publicly accountable institution. The space should feel open to the public, not just skaters.

• Unique - Bestow community pride and interest from the regional context.

• Inclusive - Allow for access without schedules, waivers or proof of residency. As a baseball field allows for any participants  and other safe ballgames (i.e. kickball).

• Appropriately  Sized - Large enough to meet the local need. 10,000 sq/ft for 50,000 residents (as a rule of thumb).

• Diverse - The design should strive to meet the needs of a wide range of experience levels. It should spark curiosity in the uninitiated.