"Skateparks encourage youth to develop healthy, active lifestyles. Research shows that skate- boarding and the communities that form at skateparks help young people build connections that benefit their socioemotional well-being. Skateparks are also havens of diversity, where youth of all backgrounds gather and connect through their common love of the sport.”
– Tony Hawk, Founder of The Skatepark Project, formerly The Tony Hawk Foundation
The PROBLEM
Due to its condition, White Birch has grown increasingly unpopular as it ages. The obstacles have become worn down and dilapidated, and the concrete doesn't offer a smooth base for skaters to cruise upon.
St. Louis’ North County has no contemporary concrete skateparks. White Birch is the only skatepark in Hazelwood, and one of two within North County. Both possess pre-fabricated obstacles, which aren't meant for long-term outdoor use. Because the obstacles at White Birch have had prolonged exposure to the elements and general damage from skateboards, the park is in poor condition.
The smoothness of the concrete is also less than ideal for skaters to cruise comfortably. Additionally, the gate surrounding the park is often locked, posing a physical barrier to access for visitors. Due to this, White Birch has grown increasingly unpopular as it ages, which negatively impacts Hazelwood's initial investment in the space.
The Solution
Methods to revitalize White Birch include; pouring new concrete, increasing function and flow, constructing new permanent obstacles designed by a skatepark development firm, removing the fence implementing regular programming and maximizing curb appeal.
With the community’s needs in mind and proper reconstruction, Hazelwood will benefit from an exponential return on its initial investment into the skatepark, mitigating woes for the city and its skaters.
Alongside redesign and reconstruction, The Redo White Birch Project advocates for the implementation of a free summer skateboard program for youth upon completion.
Future Goals include implementing official after-school programming for Hazelwood West High School and providing a free Concrete Certification class through Skate4Concrete.
“Skateboarding is a pro-social activity that provides an opportunity for relationship building both non-verbally and verbally. A skateboard affords kids an opportunity to teach and learn from each other, as well as learn skateboard etiquette which then helps with socialization.”
– Dr. Emily Wang, Ph.D., R. Psych. Hull Services, Calgary
What your donation supportS
Opportunities for recreational and creative outlets for Hazelwood youth
Costs for inspections and permits
The hiring of a skatepark construction firm
The creation of skatepark design concepts
Payment for concrete and materials for the reconstruction of White Birch and the Concrete Certification Program
Funds to support future programming (i.e., purchasing of skateboards, helmets and gear for summer and after-school skate program participants)
The payment of Redo White Birch advocates to support their efforts
We've raised
$20,000
to date! Thank you to our donors and supporters for your commitment to our cause!
Lauren brew - Lead Advocate
The Redo White Birch Project (RWB) was founded by L Brew, a Chicago-based skateboarder, writer, and community organizer from St. Louis, MO. Brew is one of 12 Fellows nationwide who participated in The Skatepark Project’s very first BIPOC Fellowship.
Additionally, Brew is President of froSkate, an organization that exists to provide resources and safe, inclusive, shame-free space to BIPOC, Women, Trans, GNC and LGBTQIA+ skaters.
Brew has led crowds of thousands throughout the streets of downtown Chicago, spoken on panels alongside Olympians, was featured by Facebook in 2021 for Black History Month, and became the first Black woman to design a Dunk High with Nike SB in 2022, alongside froSkate’s founder, Karlie Thornton.
Her greatest honor yet was in 2023, when she was asked to donate the pair of Dunks she wore during froSkate’s Nike SB promotional shoots to The Smithsonian Museum of American History, where they’re held today.
TSP’s 2022-23
The Skatepark Project, formerly the Tony Hawk Foundation, is a skateboarding organization that helps communities build public skate parks in underserved neighborhoods. The Fellowship Program is an advocacy training and project design opportunity for BIPOC young adults to become equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to serve as impactful skatepark advocates, designers, programmers and changemakers.
“Skateparks provide the rare opportunity for intergenerational and intersectional experiential learning for everyone. The skatepark introduces diversity to a heavily siloed world. It allows young people to see themselves as part of a global community capable of creating individual and collective change in their lives through skateboarding. Our research shows that through skateboarding, skaters develop the ability to communicate and build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. Skaters are excellent critical thinkers and problem solvers who view success from a more communal perspective.”
– Dr. Neftalie Williams, Sociologist and Assistant Professor at University of Southern California
info@redowhitebirch.org
@RedoWhiteBirch
