The primary mission of The Skatepark Project is to help underserved communities create safe and inclusive public skateparks for youth. This initiative aims to provide free, public skateparks in low-income areas in the United States, focusing on engaging local skaters in the planning process and ensuring parks are accessible, require no entrance fees, and do not necessitate waivers.
The Built to Play Skatepark Program awards grants up to $250,000, primarily to community groups and municipalities aiming to build free, public skateparks that serve low-income communities in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. An additional $50,000 is available for projects that reduce the skatepark's environmental impact. The program values durable, low-maintenance construction, inclusion of local skaters in the planning process, service to low- to middle-income areas, demonstrable grassroots commitment, safety without over-regulation, accessible 365 days a year without entrance fees, and minimal environmental impact from the construction. Projects outside the specified regions or not focused on new skatepark construction are ineligible.