An Intro to Lorain's New Skate Park

The conditions in Lorain are constantly changing, and leaders know we need to think about the future and what it could mean for everyone who is a part of it.

But in this city, collaboration is key. And what started as an idea of a local eighth-grader led to creating something that the City of Lorain is now working to make a reality.

Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley and professional skateboarder, entrepreneur, and Lorain-native, Chad Muska.

The Ramp It Up Lorain! public forums aim to generate community input and consensus for the redevelopment of the former Lorain Products building on F Street, the planned location of the city's new and first full skate park. The forums also aim to promote positive and inclusive recreational outlets for all Lorain residents and visitors alike—something that is widely happening on all sides of town.

Community member gives input on future skate park plans at first Ramp It Up Lorain! public forum

On October 14, members of our community and skate enthusiasts from all over Northeast Ohio gathered at the Lorain Palace Theater for the first public forum of the Ramp It Up Lorain! series.

Over 200 people were in attendance, which broke records and made this the largest turnout of any public forum event the City of Lorain has ever hosted.

Q&A with Chad Muska at the first Ramp It Up Lorain! public forum

Attendees heard from Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley and members of the Building, Housing, and Planning Department, including Director Max Upton and Program Manager Hannah Kiraly.

Other speakers of the evening included The Stocker Foundation's Executive Director Patricia O'Brien and professional skateboarder, entrepreneur, and Lorainnative, Chad Muska.

Meet and greet with Chad Muska following Q&A session at the first Ramp It Up Lorain! public forum

photo by Jen Navarro

The meet-and-greet and Q&A session with Muska were the night's highlights for most of the skate park supporters in attendance. But attendees had and will continue to have even more ways to get involved and let their voices be heard, including interaction with various display boards and project representatives available to speak at all of the forums.

City representative talks to supporter at the first Ramp It Up Lorain! public forum

Covering the entire project's cost will take collaboration, just like the culmination of the big-picture idea for this park.

The use of Community Development Block Grants, support from The Stocker Foundation, and fundraising efforts from Muska and a nearby community skateboarding organization, Shred with Ed, will allow this concept to continue developing over the next couple of months.

Currently, the project team is compiling data from the first forum. They are targeting the demolition of the existing structure on the property by next summer. Following the demolition, they will hold a second public forum and develop their scope of work.

Community member gives input on future skate park plans at first Ramp It Up Lorain! public forum

The City of Lorain welcomes you to be a part of this process and help develop the F Street Skatepark into what you would like it to be.

We will keep you updated on the progress of this in future issues, but be sure to follow these groups on Facebook or Instagram for more frequent updates:

Chad Muska—Facebook and Instagram

City of Lorain—Facebook and Instagram

F Street Skate Park—Facebook

Shred with Ed—Facebook and Instagram