Thurmont Skatepark

Thurmont SKATEPARK

Alan Chimel, Patrick Dugan, Maceo Zelenka & Norman Montoya, Thurmont Skatepark Committee founders, leaders, skaters.

Skateboarding is the fastest growing sport in America! More and more folks from all walks of life are skateboarding. Skateboarding is a fun way to get exercise, fresh air, release stress and express yourself. In 2020 skateboarding saw its largest increase in popularity in twenty years. Last year many skateboard shops saw their busiest year ever. Some of skate boarding’s rise in popularity stems from covid and folks being quarantined. Skateboarding allows riders to get exercise and have fun together while still keeping a safe distance. Many found skateboarding to be a savior after being isolated and feeling disconnected and depressed. Skating provides riders with the opportunity to relieve stress and feel a sense of normalcy during a difficult time. Skateboarding is a wonderful outdoor activity for people of all ages, physical conditions and socioeconomic backgrounds. It involves no TV, no computer, no electronics and best of all, Skateboarders are outside getting fresh air and exercise. Skateboarding allows riders to test their skills and raise their spirits benefiting them both physically and emotionally.

Thurmont has a fast-growing number of skaters enjoying the sport, but the town was unfortunately lacking a safe place to gather. With the increasingly growing number of skaters across the country, there is a growing number of skateparks being built. The Town of Thurmont is no exception and is stepping up to the demand and building a skatepark to provide a fun and safe place for both resident and visiting skaters. The decision for Thurmont to build a skatepark stemmed from a group of young local skaters who used their voices in a positive and powerful way. Fifteen high school sophomores attended a Thurmont town meeting and pleaded their case to the mayor and commissioners. The town representatives were quite impressed with this group of young citizens. In the past others have complained about not having a skatepark in Thurmont but these teens were the first to approach the mayor and commissioners during a meeting with a powerful case to build a skatepark. The commissioners were persuaded by the teens and voted unanimously to build them a skatepark.

Immediately following the meeting, the teens formed a committee to begin planning the Thurmont Skatepark. The group of teens has consulted with several skatepark designers, builders and organizers. They have learned about what works well and what does not. One fun aspect of the planning process has been taking field trips to other skateparks. The most rewarding part of the process so far for the teens has been expressing themselves and having their voices heard.

The Thurmont Skatepark will be constructed of concrete and will be built by a skater owned company. It will be approximately 50’x 80’ and will be located in the East End Park. The skatepark will welcome all residents and visitors and there will be no admission charge. The Park will be geared toward all skill levels from beginner to pro. There will also be a small set of bleachers for family members and fans to watch the skaters test their tricks and strut their stuff

The Thurmont Skatepark plans to break ground and open this fall. The grand opening celebration will be a skate jam with live music from the Frederick Rock School and of course lots of skateboarding. There will also be some pro skaters in attendance who will be skating, giving pointers and signing autographs.

Thurmont is a beautiful mountain town with so much to offer. Visitors always enjoy touring the covered bridges, hiking the numerous mountain trails, swimming in the lake, wine tasting and so much more,,, and now to top it off…KATEBOARDING! Campers at Cunningham Falls will have just a short drive down the scenic mountain road to experience one of Maryland’s best skateparks. We look forward to seeing you at the Thurmont Skatepark…Skateway to the Mountains.