This DIY skatepark was demolished because it was on private property, but is now thriving in its new home in a nearby public park.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Local skaters are looking for a solution to the city's lack of skate parks.
After the DIY skatepark at the former Eastland Mall site was demolished, the east Charlotte skating community found a new home in Kilbourne Park along the road. Now, the city is recognizing the group's hard work with a $15,000 placemaking grant. Leaders say the funding will help keep skating accessible to communities in east Charlotte.
“A DIY skatepark is about being proud of what you built,” said Luke Gidus, co-founder of the Charlotte Skate Foundation. The group prides itself on allowing everyone to enter the skatepark for free.
“We have a community on the east side of Charlotte and we wanted to keep it here,” added co-founder Stephen Barrett.
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Their original DIY skatepark flourished for years in an old vacant lot at Eastland Mall. However, it was demolished to make space for the redevelopment of Eastland Yard.
With the help of Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation, the skate park now has a permanent location at Kilborn Park along the road.
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“Everyone can get what they want from Eastland here,” said skater Mark Jackson. He's grateful he doesn't have to worry about being shut down.
“I get to do this every day after work. It's a safe place,” Jackson added.
Gidus said the city's grant is a testament to the group's mission to provide skaters with a DIY home where everyone is welcome.
“This is the first time something like this has happened in Charlotte,” Guiduz said.
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Gidus estimates the funding could double the number of permanent structures in the park. These city placemaking grants went to 13 other community initiatives across Charlotte, totaling approximately $154,000.
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