Glasgow's Skatepark Officially Open To The Public

Throughout the past few months, there has been a lot of construction activity at Hoyt Park, especially on the other side of the already ongoing project of the new swimming pool. Crews from Evergreen Skateparks broke ground on the city's new skatepark on Aug. 28, and finalized the project on Oct. 2. The crew from Evergreen Skateparks christened the park with their own boards and skate moves after the completion of the park.

The park officially opened to the public on Oct. 12, after the Siding 45 Committee and members of the community spent the previous week raking and spreading dirt to ensure a safe environment outside of the park itself. This prep work also will allow grass seed to be planted and the ability to put down sod.

During the grand opening of the park, kids, families and individuals of all ages came out to marvel at the newest addition to the city. A special guest, Jeff Ament, Pearl Jam bassist as well as a proponent for building skateparks throughout the state, made an appearance to sign autographs, chat with the community as well as see the project in it's final state. Ament, with his organization Montana Skatepark Association, helped provide funds to make the skatepark a reality for Glasgow.

Choruses of "This is so fun!" "I love the skatepark!" "Can we come back here!" rang out from Hoyt Park during the Oct. 12 soft opening, while kids and adults of all ages made their way to the skatepark. Though the skatepark is open to the public, the committee is planning a grand opening celebration in the spring where Girls On Shred, based out of Missoula, will be teaching skateboarding and committee members will be on hand to answer questions, teach and pass along their love of skating.

The creation of this skatepark has been a two-year process, starting in the fall of 2022, when the Siding 45 Committee first came together to develop a plan and then approach the Glasgow City Council with the idea and their desire to build a sustainable skatepark in Glasgow. Members of this committee had come together when they were in their teenage years, and were successful in building a small skatepark at the Fairgrounds, however when life took them in different directions, the maintenance and continued growth of that skatepark became less of a priority.

Now in their adult lives, members of the committee wanted to revitalize the project they started when they were younger, and have a more sustainable skatepark for the area. The park itself was designed by Evergreen Skateparks, and is about 5,000 square feet, about 100 feet across, of concrete in a circular shape with a green space in the center. The design of the park is street skate safe, so kids have a flat place to skate while those more experienced can utilize the other aspects of the circular design.

This project was entirely paid for by donations as a a result of community support and major sponsors including Ament's organization, Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital and the Montana Pool Service, which was also created by Ament, in addition to many other local donors, such as Galen & Karla Zerbe Family Foundation, Cottonwood Inn & Suites, Fossum Materials, Grobel Family, Valley County Masonic Endowment Grant, Corland Construction, Toodie's Cafe & Gallery, Carolyn Anderson, Marc & Karen Breigenzer, Randon Stormer, Andy Fahlgren & Madelyn House, Prairie House Gardens, John & Mary Fahlgren, Brabeck Construction, Irving Law, CHMS, H&E Equipment Rental, Thompson & Son's, Tim Young Foundation, Markle's Inc., Buddy McCarthy, DO, Wheatgrass Arts & Gallery, Emmanuel Leon, Commercial Contracting & Maintenance, Irle School Students, Nick Dirkes, Flip Burgers, Degree of Honor and Richard Wiens.

According to the president of the Siding 45 committee, Tess Fahlgren, approximately $215, 000 was raised and everything that was raised was put towards making this project possible. In-kind donations such as assisting with housing for the Evergreen Skateparks workers, assistance with feeding the workers as well as assistance from Corland Construction while they were doing the pool project near the development of the Skatepark, allowed the committee to best utilize the funds that were brought in. The design was also adjusted prior to completion, which saved time and money with the drainage.

According to Fahlgren, the benefit of coming in under budget is now there are funds available to complete the sod project, put up benches, work on a bathroom to be placed near the park as well as pay for signage. "Dustin Brunelle will donate his time in putting a sign that we will have near the park that will list the donors who supported this project. We would just have to pay for the materials," explained Fahlgren.

Also part of the budget included creating an end-of-life account for the skatepark, where the committee puts $2,500 into an account, of which the City of Glasgow will match, which allowing funds to be available when it is time to demolish the skatepark.

Upon reflecting on this two-year journey and now seeing the community enjoy the new skatepark, Fahlgren stated, "I feel so relieved. Just thinking about all of the hurdles. I am really proud of everyone for not losing faith, for coming together and staying positive."

Now that the park is built and finalized, ownership has been transferred to the City of Glasgow for insurance and maintenance purposes.

In accordance to City of Glasgow Ordinance No. 987, the park is open from dawn to dusk and helmets and pads are strongly encouraged. Bikes are encouraged to be used oon the skatepark however no bikes with wheels larger than 24" can be used and bikes must yield to all other users. No obstacles, animals, food, drink, glass or ceramic containers, as well as no alcohol, tobacco, drugs or offensive language is allowed. No spectators are allowed in the park itself, and no graffiti or other property damage is allowed. The City also asks those using the park to be alert, be polite, use common sense and be neighborly, including no littering. The park can also not be used under wet or icy conditions.

"If you see something, say something," stressed Fahlgren. "You can contact the Parks department at the city or any member of the Siding 45 committee and we will get it taken care of right away."

Now that the skatepark project is complete, the Siding 45 committee has their sights set on the next project, specifically small achievable goal projects to help the community bring in something they want to add. "We will be looking to people to see what they want, but don't have and see if we can lend a hand," stated Fahlgren.