Youngstown group unveils pop-up skatepark series and urges permanent facility

Representatives of the Youngstown Skatepark Association told Youngstown City Council that the group is staging a series of pop-up skatepark events this year to show demand for a permanent, free public skate park and to reduce unsafe riding in streets and private property.

"My name is Zach Felger. I'm a first ward resident of the Idora neighborhood, and I'm here today on behalf of the Youngstown Skatepark Association," Felger said during public comment, describing the group as "a 501(c)(3) dedicated to the creation, development, and long term maintenance of a free public skate park in the city of Youngstown." He asked for the council's collaboration and leadership to make a permanent park a reality.

Felger outlined the pop-up schedule and sites: Richard and Eugenia Atkinson Recreation Center on April 25; Bortz Field on July 25; Lincoln Park on August 22; and Glenwood Community Park on October 3. He said the events will temporarily transform portions of those parks into supervised spaces for skateboards, bikes, scooters, inline skates and roller skates.

Councilman Oliver asked Felger to address community concerns about negative stigmas tied to skate parks. Felger replied that data show public skate parks can catalyze neighborhood revitalization, activate public spaces and foster athletes; he noted that skateboarding and BMX are Olympic sports and invited council members to attend the pop-up events.

Felger said the group is prepared to pursue grants, partnerships and fundraising but asked for the city's collaboration. The transcript records no immediate council vote or directive tied to the skatepark presentation; Felger's request was placed on the public record and council members asked questions on the topic.