WWSPA OFFICERS 2007

Thomas Reese, President
Carmen Castaldo, Vice President
Anthony Barba, Secretary
Colby Kuschatka, Treasurer

Prior to Phase 1 Construction

Phase One Construction Completed

Opening Day at the Walla Walla Skate Park

Phase 2 Construction

Phase 2 Shotcrete

Phase 2 Completed

WWSPA Organization Background

The Walla Walla Skate Park Association was formed before the first public meeting in May 1997. From the beginning the goal was to provide the youth of Walla Walla with a quality skateboard facility that would address the needs of the growing skateboard community. An emphasis was put on a permanent cement structure within a city park that would be a safe haven for skaters, parents, and spectators. No fees would be charged for usage, and maintenance and oversight would be provided by the Skate Park Association. The initial meetings indicated strong participant interest and broad community support. In April 1998, Articles of Incorporation were filed and validated with Washington State. The Skate Park Association received 501(C)3 status as a non-profit corporation. By Fall 1999, $25,000 had been raised through a series of grants, donations, and fund-raisers (carwashes, raffles, auctions, etc.) by the skaters themselves.
In October 1999 ground breaking occurred at the current site at Fort Walla Walla and work was completed for the unofficial opening on New Years Day 2000. Both kids and parents alike were involved in the design (rough sketch-to-blueprint) and construction phase (moving dirt, tying rebar, etc.) and were able to enter into the fruit of their labor. The countless offers of free, in-kind, or reduced labor and materials by local businesses and contractors helped create a facility that has been valued at $80,000+. Under-time and within the constraints of the meager budget, the Walla Walla Skate Park celebrated its grand opening in March 2000.
In 2003, a group of 8 skaters began construction of the unfinished West Wall of the skatepark. Inspired by the DIY ethic of the world famous Burnside Skatepark (built by skaters under the east end of the Burnside bridge) in Portland, OR. they designed and built the current 6' to 8'vert section largely by themselves. With oversight from local concrete specialists Moreno & Nelson Construction they were able to complete the project during three months of volunteered evening and weekend work. On a mid-December day the crew placed 14 yards of shotcrete and handstacked cement during a freak Walla Walla snow storm. The snow didn't melt until 3 weeks later. The New Year brought Walla Walla's first vert experience at the park.
In 2004, The Skate Park Association began seeking funds to build an Advanced Bowl Section to be built adjoining the existing Fort Walla Walla facility. This advanced area is a greatly needed addition for the skateboarders of Walla Walla. Many skaters have progressed so rapidly that they are not challenged by the existing beginner’s area. Additionally, the existing park caters toward “street” or flatland skating. The Advanced Bowl Section will cater towards the “tranny” (transition) skaters that gravitate towards the steep transitions of bowls and pools.
After several years of slow momentum, fundraising efforts took off in 2007. Through a series of successful grant requests, fundraising events, and “Skate Bricks” sales (see the “Skate Bricks” program) the WWSPA was nearing its goal.
In May of 2008 Walla Walla Parks and Recreation informed the WWSPA that new construction at the Fort Walla Walla Facility would not be possible. New Federal regulations, with lengthy setbacks from waterways and critical habitats, made it impossible for further additions at the existing skate park.
After surveying the possible parks available (especially considering waterway issues in most Walla Walla parks and neighborhood opposition to active sports), the WWSPA and city officials decided to relocate future construction to the Walla Walla Sports Complex on Tausick Way.
In June 2008 the Sherwood Trust awarded the WWSPA with a $42,000 grant pushing us to the $72,000 budget needed. Thus funds have been secured for the building of the Advanced Bowl Section. Site plans have been completed and we are currently in the building permit application process. Construction is slated for September 2008. The world’s premier skate park vendor “Dreamland Skateparks” (Portland, OR www.dreamlandskateparks.com)
will be doing the construction. Additionally, members of the WWSPA and several local contractors will be doing peripheral work on the project as well.Current plans for the WWSPA include fundraising and construction of a beginner/intermediate street area at the Mill Creek Sportsplex. This will help to complement the Advanced Bowl and balance out the facility for a broad based user group. Future plans include fundraising and building of small satellite “skate spots” in several city parks spread across Walla Walla.