Tony Hawk Foundation Awards Grant to Barstow Skatepark

Thanks to Tony Hawk! I know the youth of Barstow will be excited to know that our skate park will now be associated with the great Tony Hawk. Hopefully, Tony Hawk will visit out new skate park at the projected grand opening on July 4, 2007 or soon after. Kudos to Barstow City Employee's Jeanette Hayhurst and Domingo Gonzales for their effort.

Vista, Calif. (May 7, 2007)— The Tony Hawk Foundation announced that the City of Barstow’s new skatepark was awarded a $10,000 grant through its spring 2007 grant season. From a total of 73 applicants, the City of Barstow was one of 23 communities selected by the Tony Hawk Foundation Board of Directors to receive financial assistance, based on the merits of the City’s application. “Tony Hawk is the Michael Jordan of the skateboard world and to have his name associated with our new skatepark is almost more valuable than the monetary award,” said Jeanette Hayhurst, City of Barstow Parks and Recreation manager. “We’re ecstatic to receive the $10,000, but the recognition and the legitimacy provided by the Tony Hawk Foundation through this grant is worth more than any amount of money could buy,” added Hayhurst. The Tony Hawk Foundation seeks to foster lasting improvements in society, with an emphasis on supporting and empowering youth. Through special events, grants, and technical assistance, the Foundation supports recreational programs with a focus on the creation of public skateboard parks in under-served communities. The Foundation favors programs that clearly demonstrate that funds received will produce tangible, ongoing, positive results. Out of the 73 applications received by the Tony Hawk Foundation, Barstow’s was one of only 10 that received an award of $10,000 or more. The fact that Barstow’s skatepark was designed with input from local skaters gave Barstow an advantage in competing for this award. The City of Barstow will open a 12,000 square-foot skatepark within Dana Park on Barstow Road this July. The new skatepark will cost $475,000 (approximately $35,000 for design and $440,000 for construction). Funded by the federal government in the form of block grants, which fund community improvement, the skate park was designed by MIG and is being constructed by California Skateparks. Once complete in July, the skatepark will be open from dawn to dusk and will be free to all skaters to enjoy.