Almost exactly two years ago, Mobash Skatepark opened in McCormick Park. The 15,200-square-foot concrete skatepark came to completion through the efforts of the Missoula Skatepark Association, a volunteer organization made up mostly of neophytes who raised funds, negotiated with city and parks officials, and ultimately oversaw construction of the world-class park.
The local project taught those organizers a lot; and when they were finished, several of the group’s mainstays felt a bit adrift.
The opportunity came when an anonymous couple suggested that the group apply for funding through the Lennox Foundation, a family foundation that funds a variety of projects around Montana. The idea: take grant money from the Lennox Foundation and turn it into a source of funds for other skatepark projects.
So the Missoula Skatepark Association changed its name to the Montana Skatepark Association last year, and ultimately received $100,000 from the Lennox Foundation. It has since used that money to support an expansion of Helena’s skatepark, and to help fund the initial phase of construction of the new skatepark in St. Ignatius.
“It’s weird to be in the position of giving out money instead of always looking for money,” said Andy Kemmis, one of the founding organizers of the Montana Skatepark Association. “It’s actually just as difficult, in its own way, to work through the applications and make sure the groups you’re giving money to are going to be able to use it for its intended purpose. We’ve learned a lot in the past year.”
The newly refocused organization has also pledged money to help start a skateboard camp through Missoula Parks and Recreation.
“If you’re a kid, how do you get into skateboarding? How do you learn to handle the bowls at Mobash?” said Peterson. “There’s a disconnect there, so this camp idea is to bridge that gap for kids.”
“We are hoping to build educational programs around the state through this funding,” added Page Orb, a board member of the Montana Skatepark Association. “Some communities need safety programming, others need equipment n skateboards and helmets, so that kids who don’t have them aren’t having to borrow from their friends all the time. I think there’s a lot of need there that we can serve.”
The $100,000 grant received by the group this year can be applied for up to two more times. After that, the group can still raise up to $25,000 from the Lennox Foundation annually.
“We’re not planning to become grant writers,” said Kemmis. “We’ll keep our options open to things that fall into our laps, but other than that, I don’t see this expanding a whole lot. It’s just something we’re going to try to do as volunteers to keep things going.”
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Ken Elliott wrote on Oct 13, 2008 7:37 AM: