McKinleyville Skatepark: A project of community effort for future skaters

Over two decades of work and the McKinleyville Skatepark is one out of two phases complete. 

“If we had you know, some benevolent person that could just donate $1,000,000, we would have built it 20 years ago,” said Martin Fusek, a board member of Humboldt Skatepark Collective. “But in a small, unincorporated community like McKinleyville, they don’t have the power to just fund things like this. So we really took the hard work of people like Charlie writing grants and raising money.”

The organizing for the McKinleyville Skatepark all started 23 years ago after Pat Hassen, a grandmother, experienced hearing her grandchildren get in trouble when they skated at a grocery store parking lot. Redwood News reporter spoke to her granddaughter to learn the story.

“My grandma was really upset that they got in trouble because she was like, well, where else are they supposed to go?,” said Ciara Torres, board member of Humboldt Skate Park Collective and Hassen’s granddaughter. “I think what really got her engaged was just that she felt like there was a need for something in the community.”

Grant writing, donations, and bake sales were some of the efforts made to raise money for the McKinleyville Skatepark. As phase one is done, phase two includes an additional 15,000 square feet. Organizers hope to start phase two next summer if they receive a state grant. 

“I think McKinleyville and Humboldt need more skateparks and things,” said Sam Cunningham, a volunteer and skater. “It’s good for kids and adults, as well. It’s a good activity, you know, it’s really fun.”

The skatepark is located at Pierson Park near Azalea Hall. The grand opening event is on October 7.

“I’m so stoked,” said Charlie Caldwell, President of the Humboldt Skate Collective. “I got to skate it for about eight days before I injured myself. So I’m kind of down right now and I just love skating it.”