GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Skateboarders have raised thousands of dollars to build a skater's paradise on the Southwest side of the city.
Volunteers tell FOX 17 the privately funded DIY Clemente Skate Park gofundme projectwas inspired by other skate parks around the nation. Six years ago, the city of Grand Rapids gave the abandoned tennis courts of Roberto Clemente Park to the skateboarders in the area. The 'do it yourself' project is being led by a group of friends with a shared passion for skateboarding. Braydon Kavanagh is spearheading the fundraising, saying the freedom to design a skate park is unparalleled.
"it's been insane, like unreal," said Kavanagh. "In three days we almost have $5,000, we can use it all for everything. Basically just having the freedom of doing whatever we want."
The group is getting support from nearly 100 volunteers, hoping to turn the park into a work of art.
"Not only do they get to skate it but they get a say in what they skate," said Kavanagh. "They can grab a shovel and help us out and build what they want to skate, it's us and our vision."
The project is ongoing and will continue until the group runs out of funds.
