For young skateboarders, finding a safe, legal place to practise is not always easy. Since 2002, a nonprofit founded by professional skateboarder Tony Hawk has helped communities develop public skateparks, particularly in areas with limited recreational facilities. Formerly known as the Tony Hawk Foundation, the organisation became The Skatepark Project in 2020 to put its mission at the centre of its identity. It provides grants, technical assistance and other resources to communities seeking to create free public skating spaces. The organisation says it has helped fund nearly 700 skateparks across all 50 US states. A February 2026 Los Angeles City Council report separately documents its involvement in a skateboarding facility at the West Los Angeles Municipal Complex. Its work includes permanent community parks and temporary facilities developed with municipal authorities. Examples from Augusta, Kansas, and Los Angeles show how nonprofit support can help expand access to public recreation.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
