Proving that where there is a will there is a way, three Lowell residents raised $120,000 in private donations and grants to completely renovate the city’s skatepark.
First announced in 2022, the project was the combined effort of Bob Rogers, Dan Lixey and Jessica Barney. The trio recognized that the existing park had seen heavy use and was due for an upgrade, with an eye toward incorporating elements that would be suitable for beginner and experienced skateboarders alike.
They have been quietly working behind the scenes to raise the funds necessary to complete the new park, and earlier this year, Lowell City Council gave its blessing to proceed with the work.
Work began on the skatepark in the final days of July. Grindline Skateparks, based in Seattle, created the design, and Tim Trudell from the company oversaw its construction.
“It’s more of a skate plaza,” Trudell notes.
The design includes a combination of ledges, rollers and other features that make it appropriate for skaters of all skill levels. What’s more, while designed with skaters in mind, it can also be used by those on scooters and bikes.
History of the Lowell Skatepark
The original Lowell skatepark was a labor of love with discussions beginning as early as 2005 about the need for a recreational option for teens in the city. In 2007, the Our Love Skate Park Committee began working in earnest, and by 2009, a group of teens and adults had raised $20,000 to make their dream a reality.
Initially, the skatepark was located at Richards Park with wood and metal ramps from the American Ramp Company. It was later decided that Stoney Lakeside Park would be a better spot for the skatepark, and the city poured a concrete slab so the equipment could be moved there in 2010.
Since then, there have been community-led projects to maintain the space, and the park has been well-loved and well-used by many.
However, over time, there was a desire to have a different configuration – one that would accommodate more skaters at a time and be welcoming to bikes, scooters and beginners. It was out of these wishes that the current fundraising and planning grew. In speaking before Lowell City Council earlier this year, Rogers noted that he doesn’t skate and his children don’t skate, but he helped spearhead the project because he knew it was important to many in the community.
When the old equipment was removed, it had been hoped that it could be temporarily placed in Richards Park and then donated to another community that wanted a skatepark. However, once the old ramps were disassembled, it became apparent that they could not be safely put back together.
Grand Reopening Scheduled for Aug. 31
Although there is still some landscaping to complete, the community is invited to come out to the skatepark on Saturday, Aug. 31, for a grand reopening.
Running from 12pm to 2pm, the details of the event are still being ironed out, but Rogers says there will likely be music playing and some West Michigan skate shops on hand. Everyone is invited to bring their skateboard, try out the new park and show off their best tricks.
And if anyone feels inspired to pick up the mantle, there is space for a future park expansion. Many have wanted a bowl for more advanced skaters, but the cost of adding one is pegged at about $600,000. Expanding the plaza to accommodate higher ramps would also be an option and would cost about $300,000, according to Rogers.
For more information about the Aug. 31 event, visit the Lowell Skatepark Grand Reopening Facebook page.
Special thanks goes to all the following individuals and organizations who donated to the cause and made the new skatepark possible:
- Robert F. Beard Charitable Foundation
- Lowell Area Community Fund
- Lowell Cable TV Fund
- David and Kelli Powell
- Lowell Rotary Club
- King Milling Co.
- Lyonnais Inc.
- Extreme Car Audio
- Alan Drake
- Paul and Karyn Pelon
- Morgan Diekevers
- Sandra L. Graham
- Electa McCurdy
- Debra Groves
- Amber Dalstra
- Betsey O’Neil
- Laura Olson
- Jennifer VanHolstyn
- Jayce Lixey
- Hooper Printing
- Patten Monument
- Grand Rapids Gravel
- John Sterly
- Joel Beiri
- Dan Lixey
- Bob and Amanda Rogers
- Jessica Barney
- Sumac Modern Landscapes
- West Michigan Brick and Stone
- Maley’s Lawn and Snow Works
- Rooks Landscaping
- Walnut Grove Excavating
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