Skateparks are not only recreational, they're economic and community development tools in southeast Michigan. Following the tide of popularity of the Ann Arbor Skatepark and Riley Skatepark in Farmington, a campaign is afoot for a new skatepark in Detroit.
Excerpt:
"The campaign will support phase two of “The Wig,” a community-led project to transform the vacant and blighted Wigle Recreation Center in Midtown into a new skatepark.
Located at 801 Seldon St., the once vibrant Wigle Recreation Center has sat vacant since 2005. This past summer, Community Push, an organization started by skateboarders to bridge the gap between skateboarding and the community, officially adopted the center’s park from the Detroit Parks and Recreation Department to build a community skatepark...
With the foundation for a great skatepark in place, phase two will involve expansion elements, including new skateboarding obstacles (concrete and steel), artistic beautification, public seating, and programs to introduce youth and students at surrounding schools to skateboarding and the social benefits it brings – civic participation, health and wellness, cultural creativity, risk-taking and supportive community building.
If Community Push attains its crowdfunding goal of $20,000 by December 13, MEDC will provide a $20,000 matching grant."
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