A Quick History on THE BUILD…

“The Epworth Board of Trustees gave the ‘green light’ to Epworth UMC Skate Project to begin raising funds to replace the existing wooden ramps with a concrete bowl and other features.” This was the lead sentence for the Skate Project page since August of 2013 and still remains.That was then… Fast forward… July 2014.

The Board of Trustees entered into a contract with Evergreen Skateparks to begin construction on the new Epworth Skate Park. Construction began on Monday, July 7, 2014… Fast forward… to August 24.

DEDICATION DAY! The Dedication and Grand Opening of the new Skate Park took place at the August 24 SkateDay. We enjoyed the day of fun with several live bands, special guests and celebrities, a blessing and dedication from the church pastors. Vendors were also selling SK8 related items and food with the profits going to the SK8park.

SKATE! DON’T HATE! DAY was held held on September 27, 2014. It was in conjunction with The Matthew Shepherd Foundation and dedicated to ending hate and bullying. Matthew Shepherd was bullied and killed for being gay. Matthew’s mother, Judy, was with us along with that day helping us teach – SKATE! DON’T HATE!

_______________

DONATIONS!

While the SK8 Park has been completed, there are still costs associated with the park. Epworth has been generous enough to allow us to use thier land, the lights and insurance fall on the SK8 Park Committee to pay these bills. Additionally, there are repairs that need to be made. Please consider making a monetary contribution to the park. You may do so through the churches Online Giving Link… CLICK HERE … use Quick Give, then the drop down list to Skatepark. THANK YOU!

For more information about the SK8PARK or to discuss donations and sponsorship of the SK8PARK please e-mail James West…

About The Park…

In the beginning….. Epworth hosted its first Skate Day in June of 2008. Using borrowed and donated equipment, the parking lot was converted into a “skate park” for the day. Local surf and skate shops supported the event and set up booths. The first event was so successful that Skate Day became a biannual event at Epworth with one in June, as close as possible to Go Skateboarding Day on June 21, and another one in the fall. Graphic artist, Paul Carpenter designed t-shirts and posters especially for Skate Days. The events evolved to include skate contests with

prizes provided by Liquid Board Shop, Alley Oop, Sierra Moon Surf & Skate, East of Maui and Rehoboth Surf Shop. Skaters come from all over lower Delaware and Maryland. The average number of skaters at any given Skate Day is around 60. They range in age from 5 to over 40, with their expertise as varied as their ages. To see more pictures of our events, check us out on FaceBook: Skate-Epworth. In the spring of 2012, a group of adult skaters came to Epworth with a desire to expand the opportunities for the skating community. Epworth UMC Skate Project was born. In May of 2012 we hosted our first-ever fundraiser at The Big Chill Surf Cantina. The event generated enough funds to expand and

resurface all of the existing ramps. The number of Skate Days doubled from two to four and live music could be found at most. Members of the Skate Project continue to maintain the current area and plan for the future. The ramps and equipment in Epworth’s parking lot are in use every day that weather permits. It is, in essence, the local skate park. Epworth’s skate area is open to everyone who wants to use it responsibly. If you use the park, it is a “skate at your on risk” agreement for which Epworth allows you to use it. …and it was good.

Let’s keep the place clean and fun…

There are a few rule that you need to abide by or you will be asked to leave the park. They will be strictly enforced. Rule #1 is #1 because it is strictly enforced. Please remember it and abide by it.

COOL VIDEOs…

Watch this cool video, shot at during the July 13 SK8DAY… click here >

A quick close-up look at the crew shooting cement in the bowl… click here >