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Tony Hawk Taking Action

Tony: I saw the growing interest in public skateparks, but I noticed that there was a disconnection between the cities and the kids in need. In other words, cities agreed to build parks without consulting the skaters on what they want. Instead, they would go with the lowest contract bid, which was usually a sidewalk or playground contractor, and allow an inexperienced company build the park. The result would be a disaster of a park -- sometimes barely rideable. I wanted to stop this cycle by being a resource for groups and cities to get a park done right. I also wanted to focus on low-income areas; the places that need positive youth activities the most.

Lat34: What do you feel the impact of the foundation has been on skate parks across America?

TH: We have helped to shift the process to include local skaters in the design phase, and we have helped many low-income cities achieve their dreams of having their own skate facility.

Lat34: Is skateboarding really being accepted by the mainstream now?

TH: More than ever, but we still have a long ways to go to be considered in the same light as baseball and football, even though skateparks get TWICE as much usage as baseball fields or basketball courts.

Lat34: How can people get more involved in their community, what advice do you give young skaters?

TH: Start petitions, hold fundraisers, and try to raise awareness of the need for a place to skate. We will be happy to help through THF if we see that you have taken the incentive to get something started.

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