Neighborhood/Skatepark Info

The long term vision for Skate Westwood's involvement in the skateboard community is to develop a skatepark in the Westwood neighborhood of Denver. There have been discussions with city council members, the Denver land trust, and Team Pain is onboard with designing the park. We are working with BuCu West to secure the land for the project and we are looking to get young kids in the community involved as well. One goal that we currently have to draw community involvement is to host a bi-monthly skateboard clinic for local children that will draw support for the skatepark and community as a whole. There will be two or more instructors, a few features, such as a fun box and quarterpipe, as well as food and drink for the children that attend. In order for us to host the skate clinic we will need donations of skateboards and helmets to lend out during the event. Once we have these we will be able to work with kids in the community and foster a healthy environment by promoting outdoor recreation through skateboarding.

Westwood is one of the youngest neighborhoods in Denver, with nearly one-third of its residents under the age of 18. Westwood also celebrates the strongest Hispanic-centric culture in Denver. With carnicerias, panaderias, and the Westwood annual chile-fest that is put on by BuCu West each year the neighborhood takes pride in holding onto strong cultural values. Furthermore, Westwood is going through a major developmental change. The city of Denver just finished the first Westwood Neighborhood Plan since 1986 and is working on improving services in the neighborhood. Our goal to develop the skate clinic and draw community support for the skatepark will provide long term success for the Westwood neighborhood.

Westwood is one of the youngest neighborhoods in Denver, with nearly one-third of its residents under the age of 18. Sadly, it also has the highest rate of childhood obesity and the least space for kids to play in Denver. The neighborhood has only one major park, and has only 15 percent of the park space recommended by city authorities. In addition, according to the city of Denver “44% of children live in poverty in Westwood and 56% of the population have less than a high school diploma or equivalent” (https://www.denvergov.org/content/dam/denvergov/Portals/771/documents/CH/Westwood%20HIA/2_WESTWOOD%20Demographics%20and%20Health.pdf). Our hopes are that by working with the community and children through skateboarding we will be able to create a healthy Westwood community.