Raleigh advocates push for new DIY skate park after Graveside demolition

In a vibrant gathering at Raleigh City Hall, skateboarders and community advocates passionately voiced their desire for a new DIY skate park, following the recent demolition of the beloved Graveside DIY skate park. The March 11, 2025, public comment session saw a diverse group of speakers, each sharing personal stories and the profound impact that such spaces have on the community.

The meeting opened with a heartfelt plea from a local skateboarder who highlighted the importance of DIY skate parks as community-funded spaces that foster creativity and collaboration. "There is such a need for a place for people of all walks of life," they stated, emphasizing the inclusive nature of these parks. The recent loss of Graveside, a space built by the community for the community, has left many feeling a void that needs to be filled.

Paul Thompson, a lifelong skateboarder and Raleigh native, echoed these sentiments, recalling his own experiences of building ramps in the absence of dedicated skate spaces. He urged the city to evolve its skate facilities to keep pace with the sport's dynamic nature, advocating for skateboarders to have a say in the design and construction of new parks. "The facilities for skateboarding need to evolve with the sport," he explained, pointing to successful DIY projects in other cities like Charlotte and Asheville as models for Raleigh to follow.

Riley Murphy, another passionate advocate, proposed the underutilized area at JC Park as a potential site for the new skate park, noting the overwhelming support from the local skate community. "We are ready to get started right away," they declared, highlighting the community's eagerness to contribute to the project.

As the evening progressed, speakers like Clinton Perry and Aaron Collins reinforced the idea that a DIY skate park is akin to a community garden—an opportunity for individuals to invest their time and skills into something meaningful. "It's a place where people can not only get their hands dirty but can build something and see it last," Collins remarked, emphasizing the life lessons and mentorship that emerge from such spaces.

Nikki Knapp, representing the organization Skate Forward, shared how Graveside had become a safe haven for skaters, particularly women and marginalized groups. She stressed the importance of creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, advocating for a new park that continues the legacy of community and collaboration.

The session concluded with a sense of urgency and hope, as community members rallied together, united by their love for skateboarding and the desire for a space that reflects their collective spirit. The city council now faces the challenge of responding to this passionate call for a DIY skate park, a project that promises to enrich the community and provide a safe haven for future generations of skateboarders.