SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Representative Paul Thissen and Senator Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis, announced a proposal today to build more and upgrade existing skate parks around the state. The bill will provide local communities with matching grant funds and assist with siting and design of parks.
“Minnesota is a skateboarding hotbed,” said Thissen. “As evidenced by the presence of the X Games, which is likely to be here for a multiyear run, Minnesota has been recognized internationally as a great place for skateboarding. We even had two Minnesotans win big at the X Games in 2017: Alec Majerus from Rochester won bronze and Nicole Hause from Stillwater took fourth place. With just a little bit more money – and some good advice – local cities and counties could build much better skate parks that won’t just sit unused after they’re installed.”
“Skateboarding is a positive activity, especially for many young people who do not participate in other sports. Skate parks emphasize exercise, problem solving, and social connection – all good things for our Minnesota youth. Skateboarding will only increase in popularity when it becomes a competitive Olympic sport in 2020,” said Dibble.
Skateboarding is the fourth favorite outdoor activity for people ages six to 24 and 8.6 percent of people under 18 have ridden a skateboard in the last year. Minnesota cities and counties have already been investing in skate parks, including the Super Bowl 52 Committee partnership with City of Skate and Juxtaposition Arts in North Minneapolis. Dibble and Thissen will introduce the skate park grant bill during the 2018 Legislative Session.