Broward County, Florida, despite boasting one of the most vibrant skateboarding communities in the United States, has consistently ranked among the worst places in the world for free public skateparks per capita of skateboarders. This glaring disparity stands out even more when you consider that in the U.S., more kids skateboard than play baseball. South Florida, however, is home to an incredible skateboarding legacy. Two-time Thrasher Skater of the Year Jamie Foy, Olympians Zion Wright and Alex Sorgente, and countless other pros call this area home. It’s a region rich in skateboard history, from the invention of the ollie by Alan "Ollie" Gelfand in 1978 to legends like Paul Schmitt (skateboard ing hall of famer and manufacturing guru at PS Stix), Rodney Mullen (who invented more tricks than any skater), and Mark Lake (skateboarding hall of famers). Florida is also the birthplace of initiatives like Mike Rodgers’ Grind for Life, which supports skaters battling cancer. This vibrant legacy has long called for free, quality public skateparks to match its talent and passion.
Why Public Skateparks Matter
Safety and Accessibility: Free, well-designed skateparks offer a safe space for skateboarders to practice, reducing the risk of injuries compared to street skating.
Community Building: Skateparks create inclusive spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect and collaborate.
Youth Development: Skateboarding encourages discipline, creativity, and peer mentorship, fostering both physical and social skills.
Economic Impact: Quality skateparks can attract visitors, hosting events that boost local economies.
The Positive Impact of Skateboarding
Physical Health: Skateboarding is a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, strength, and coordination.
Mental Health: The activity has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood, offering a constructive outlet for energy and emotions.
Social Skills: Skateboarders learn valuable skills like collaboration, patience, and mentorship within the skateboarding community.
Toni Frallicciardi of Surf Skate Science added, "There are over 53,000 skateboarders in Broward, yet we barely have any skateparks. The ones we do have are often built by playground companies, not skaters, so they’re not the best quality. Miami’s Lot 11 took over ten years to complete, but it has become a world-class facility that draws people from all over. Just last weekend, it hosted a Travis Scott event during Art Basel, attracting thousands of families and visitors. Imagine having something like that here in our own backyard."
Community Advocacy in Action
On December 10, 2024, history was made in Pompano Beach. After 12 years of tireless advocacy spearheaded by the Dradrach family and supported by an incredible network of nonprofits, educators, and community leaders, the City of Pompano Beach unanimously approved the construction of a $1.8 million concrete skatepark, funded largely by ARPA ($1.8 million) with an additional $200,000 from the park impact fund. The skatepark will be designed and built by New Line Skateparks and is set to open in 2025.
This monumental achievement was made possible in part due to the participation of kids. Over 50 kids from local schools and organizations like Pompano High School, Pomapano Middle School, Colossal Academy and Surf Skate Science. These young advocates learned firsthand that their voices matter and witnessed Civics in action as they presented their case for the skatepark to city leaders. Lyanna Galezo, a Surf Skate Science student, shared, "We need more skateparks near where we live because you learn so much from just skating. You can learn science, math, and a whole bunch of other stuff. It also builds community relationships."
The impact of skateboarding on personal and social development was echoed by Theo Marquez, a local skater and professional chef: "Skateboarding has changed the lives of so many kids behind me and for those to come. It builds community, and there’s nothing more valuable than giving these kids a safe place to skate."
Maui Goodbear, the director of Street Waves, added, "Skating has helped my son come out of his shell. It’s given him courage, commitment, and self-esteem. Many of these kids currently have to travel far just to find a decent park, which often leads to trouble for those without transportation. This skatepark will make a huge difference."
Mr. Carney, another advocate, reminded everyone that skateboarding is for all ages: "I started skateboarding in my later years, and it’s helped me with mobility and balance. It’s not just for kids; it’s for everyone. This skatepark could save lives by keeping people active and engaged."
This experience allowed these young advocates to learn firsthand that their voices matter and witnessed Civics in action as they presented their case for the skatepark to city leaders. From sharing heartfelt speeches to standing in solidarity with their peers, these kids demonstrated remarkable courage and passion.
Real-Life Learning Through Civic Advocacy
Research highlights the importance of involving youth in civic activities. A 2020 study by the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) found that youth who participate in civic advocacy are more likely to develop leadership skills, improve academic outcomes, and engage in their communities as adults. Real-life learning experiences like this skatepark advocacy teach:
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Youth learn to articulate ideas, analyze community needs, and propose solutions.
Effective Communication: Presenting in front of city leaders helps build public speaking skills and confidence.
Empowerment: Seeing tangible results from their efforts reinforces a sense of agency and responsibility.
Tips for Giving Your Kids a Voice
Encourage Participation: Invite your kids to attend local events or community meetings where they can observe and learn.
Discuss Local Issues: Talk about what matters to your community and ask for their opinions.
Support Their Passions: Whether it’s skateboarding or another interest, help them find ways to advocate for what they love.
Model Advocacy: Show them how to respectfully express concerns or ideas to decision-makers.
Celebrate Their Efforts: Recognize their contributions, no matter how small, to encourage continued involvement.
A Collective Effort
This victory would not have been possible without the relentless efforts of the Dradrach family, who led the charge for over a decade despite numerous challenges. Nonprofits like Surf Skate Science, Skate Free Florida, Plant a Park, and Colossal Academy also rallied alongside the community. Each organization brought unique strengths, amplifying the call for a free, quality skatepark in Pompano Beach. The City of Pompano Beach’s leadership and champions within the Parks and Recreation Department played a crucial role in turning this dream into a reality.
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