The Fort Wayne Indoor (Skatepark)
Donation protected
We are a 501(c)3 non profit corporation. We are here to ensure that the future of Action Sports in Fort Wayne Indiana is alive and well for many years to come.
Your donations are Tax Deductable.
This site helps us collect donations in a transparent fashion that allows all donars to donate anytime they feel the need to help out. We are planning to grow with the community by evolving even further as time moves on.
In the coming months we will outline a plan to grow even bigger! Read our story below, and we appreciate every single dollar generated.
____________________________________________________________
The Fort Wayne Indoor BMX & Skatepark Story
The need for an indoor skatepark in Fort Wayne, Indiana is real, very real. The lack of outdoor activities in the winter makes the area skateboarders and BMX’ers very restless. 3 Years ago with the help of a local non-for-profit organization called "The Framework", this vision became reality. An indoor facility known as "The New Repulic Skatepark" opened its doors to the public in the fall of 2012.
As of July 1, 2014 the non-for-profit lost it's lease and simply could not keep up with the constant search for people, organizations, or companies who are willing to donate money to help keep the place alive. The park had tried to incorporate a music venue, a community center, Skate the Cross (A Type of Sunday School), and even a church for misfits that had service every single Sunday.
In July of 2013 Dan Butler, a life long local skateboarder, who at age 40 has been responsible for building most of the park as we know it today. Dan volunteered to take over and lead the day-to-day operations. Dan called upon his BMX friend, Rich Hoppe who has oranized fundraisers in the name of the sport and is also a life long BMX'er at ripe age of 40 as well. Dan and Rich have been riding & skating (BMX & SKATE) together since their early teens, 25+ years. The two are pictured below, both still riding and skating together to this very day.
Dan and Rich Moving Ramps last winter
Initially the park and The Framework thrived and things were rolling along quite smoothly. It was very community orientated and truly gave back to not only the kids, but also to its neighbors. As the hands of time rolled on, volunteers and money to fund this indoor venture slowed to a complete halt in the spring 2014. As of July 1st, the not-for-profit organization known as "The Framework" was removed from the New Republic Skatepark facility, located on E. State Street in the heart of the city.
With that being said, a new opportunity has presented itself. With only a few short months before the indoor BMX/Skate season is officially underway we (Dan/Rich) have decided to open the facility as a for-profit business venture. We have turned to GoFundMe to assist with start-up capital as an option to help get us off the ground. We are looking to initially raise $10,000 dollars. The funds will cover August through October’s rent totaling $7,050 and help with necessary maintenance needed to get the park in condition for this winter.
Structural changes will include converting the space previously used as the “community center/music venue” into a new street course designed with portable ramps, ledges, boxes, rails, etc. This will allow riders to change the course at any given time thus keeping it fresh. The concept will still allow for the use of bands during special events.
In addition, we will also transform the old lobby into a VIP/Party Room as use for private events and birthday parties. The new lobby will come in the form of office space next to the street course.
We will maintain the integrety of our community by allow underprivelleged people to "work-to-ride" where kids can donate time to keep the park clean in exchange for free sessions at the park.
Additional changes will include a small retail space offering merchandise consisting of limited parts and pieces and a concession stand for food and beverages.
To increase the quality of the park and attendance we will also adjust the pricing structure, add lessons, camps and a lot more session times throughout the winter months in hopes it will carry us through the slower summertime lulls.
To keep the doors open the park costs roughly $30,000 per year to cover the rent, utilities, and maintenance. We have been given until the end of this month to decide if we as a community want to support an indoor skatepark or not. The time is now, lets keep the future of a Fort Wayne Indoor Skatepark alive. This is where we need your support.
Our mission is to provide a safe, legal, and positive recreational opportunity for multi-aged locals to grow their BMX/Skating skills, while building self-confidence and enriching their lives by becoming a part of a unique community.
If you believe in our Mission and a locally owned and operated business in Fort Wayne, IN we graciously ask for your donation to support our cause.
More info can be found by visiting our web site.
www.TheFortWayneIndoor.com
In addition, we will also transform the old lobby into a VIP/Party Room as use for private events and birthday parties. The new lobby will come in the form of office space next to the street course.
We will maintain the integrety of our community by allow underprivelleged people to "work-to-ride" where kids can donate time to keep the park clean in exchange for free sessions at the park.
Additional changes will include a small retail space offering merchandise consisting of limited parts and pieces and a concession stand for food and beverages.
To increase the quality of the park and attendance we will also adjust the pricing structure, add lessons, camps and a lot more session times throughout the winter months in hopes it will carry us through the slower summertime lulls.
To keep the doors open the park costs roughly $30,000 per year to cover the rent, utilities, and maintenance. We have been given until the end of this month to decide if we as a community want to support an indoor skatepark or not. The time is now, lets keep the future of a Fort Wayne Indoor Skatepark alive. This is where we need your support.
Our mission is to provide a safe, legal, and positive recreational opportunity for multi-aged locals to grow their BMX/Skating skills, while building self-confidence and enriching their lives by becoming a part of a unique community.
If you believe in our Mission and a locally owned and operated business in Fort Wayne, IN we graciously ask for your donation to support our cause.
More info can be found by visiting our web site.
www.TheFortWayneIndoor.com
Organizer
Rich Hoppe
Organizer
Fort Wayne, IN