Skatepark & STEAM Ed Facility in South Florida

Dear friends, supporters, and advocates of youth empowerment,

We're reaching out to you with a heartfelt plea and an inspiring vision for our community in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Ramp 48 Skatepark, a lifeline to our community for the past 25 years, is closing its doors. However, we firmly believe that together, we can not only save the legacy this place has built but also elevate its impact to new heights.

Ramp 48 Skatepark has been more than just a skatepark to so many; it has been a beacon of hope, love, and transformation for countless individuals. What started as a local business, it later partnered with Calvary Chapel to become a ministry. As part of the original team. we then birthed an international network of ministries call Christian Skaters which now has reached over 90 countries. This extraordinary local and international ministry has touched the lives of youth through the love of Christ and given our youth a safe-place. Many of us have experienced the life-changing impact of this unique outreach program. The vision for Ramp was for it to be a place where skaters could grow in their faith but also come as they are and know that they had people to support and encourage them through life's ups and downs. A place where they we looked at for their potential and encouraged.

The ministry of Ramp 48 reached individuals who may not have otherwise walked in a church. But maybe just as importantly, it offered an inclusive space where people from all walks of life connected and found a sense of belonging that is unparalleled regardless of their faith or background. The positive influence of Ramp 48 extends far beyond its physical boundaries, which made it a vital part of our community's well-being. But when one door closes, God has another door for us to walk through, and often better plan around the corner.

In 2018, God put it on our heart of our family to start a STEAM/STEAM education program. Surf Skate Science started after our community experienced the tragedy at Stoneman Douglas. So many we hurting and we knew we needed to do something. Knowing the incredible benefits of both surfing and skateboarding for mental and physical well-being, we teamed up with Island Water Sports and companies like Vans to host a paddle out, skate events, and more. But school was closed for longer than expected and some of the students were dealing with grief and depression. So we knew we had to do more than a few events. So, we took the things we loved…science and action sports, and we started Surf Skate Science.

As Surf Skate Science continues to grow from what started as just 5 students to over 2500 students being part of our programming this year, we have learned that in order for a person to see their true potential, we must address the “whole” person. So we focus on the mind through mental health, social-emotional learning and education; the body through physical exercise; and the spirit through investing in faith. Our classes are more than just STEM or STEAM but a mentorship program that empowers young people, teaching them essential life skills such as discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and resilience. These skills are the building blocks of personal growth and success in all aspects of life.

We also know that skateparks and youth facilities contribute positively to communities by reducing crime rates. We have seem the studies on the benefits of Action Sports on the future of our youth. And we are aware that Ramp 48 closing may be hard pill to swallow as we risk losing an invaluable platform for positive change within our neighborhood. But as a community we have learned that things like this can be the birthplace on a new vision that will continue the legacy left and expand it’s impact even further.

Surf Skate Science and Christian Skaters aims to not only create a safe-space for action sports but also transform it into a new hub for South Florida youth.

How? Our dream is to find suitable land and build a state-of-the-art facility that houses the skatepark and a cutting-edge STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education center. This facility will focus on hands-on education, nurturing the minds of our youth, and preparing them for successful futures.

In addition to education, we are committed to fostering physical well-being. Our facility will provide a space for young people to pursue their passion for skateboarding, encouraging physical activity and a healthy lifestyle while being exposed to 21st century careers and skills.

Above all, we aim to continue the ministry's mission, nurturing faith and spiritual growth, ensuring that young individuals can explore and strengthen their relationship with Christ.

This holistic approach will help our youth thrive not only academically but also physically, mentally, and spiritually. Imagine a place where young people are empowered to become well-rounded individuals, ready to face the challenges of the modern world.

Your generosity and support will make a significant difference in turning this vision into reality. The vision is BIG and we cannot do it alone.

If you can give, please give. If not, please share this link with others. With rising costs in South Florida this is no easy feat. This fundraising is just one of many steps to make this vision a reality. We are teaming up with foundations, churches, and individuals and will keep pursuing support until we can create a youth facility that can be affordable and sustainable for many more generations.

We urge you to join our mission and share it with your friends, family, and networks. Let’s show our community leaders, and potential sponsors the strength of our commitment to a safe place for our youth to skate and the invaluable impact of a facility like this on the lives of individuals who call South Florida home.

Let us not underestimate the power of this hard time as a catalyst for transformation in the future of our community. Together, we can continue to make an impact for generations to come!