Skatepark Baltimore Receives $25,000 Hawk Foundation Grant

After nearly seven years of trying to build a skatepark in Hampden, a $25,000 donation from the Tony Hawk Foundation could help bring the project to fruition.

Stephanie Murdock, president of Skatepark Baltimore, said Wednesday morning the group intends to build a 16,000 square feet concrete skatepark behind the on ground that is already an asphalt slab.

"The Tony Hawk grant helps us one step closer to breaking ground on the skatepark this year," Murdock said.

Skatepark Baltimore has already raised $25,000 on its own, and wants to raise an additional $25,000 to leverage $75,000 in matching funds from Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks to build the park.  The group has until May 31 to get matching funds from the city and is currently accepting donations at their website.

“We’re really looking for the help of the community and skaters throughout the Baltimore area,” Murdock said.

There’s currently a skate area behind the Roosevelt Recreation Center set up with temporary ramps that are not in the best shape.

“It’s basically whatever the kids drag out on trash day, and that’s what they’re skating,” Murdock said.

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