There is a new project beginning in Battle Creek to build a skate park in the downtown area. Historically, there was a skate park that was built in the mid 2000’s under the Washington Street bridge. It was a project that was spearheaded by retired police officer St Johns, and seen some deterioration over the years. Additionally, the park was not designed by skaters according to to members of Battleground Skate house, and indoor skate park located at the Lakeview Square Mall. The Washington Bridge height over the skate park limits jumping from ramps, which is a key aspect of the sport.
Therefore, although the skate park under the Washington Street bridge was a good effort at the time, the new project committee is looking to build a new one with a more open air format similar to the one that opened in Grand Rapids in 2020. For an example of that skate park located at 555 Monroe Street, check out this link here.
The new skate park is to be designed by skaters, and future maintenance will be funded through annual events and competitions held at the venue. The committee driving this project is working with the City of Battle Creek on a site location which will have parking and offer both skating and a pump track for cyclists. More upates and news on this project will be released as the site and funding structures evolve.
The committee is partnering with not only the City of Battle Creek, but also local businesses like Team Active and Battleground Skate House, and is planning to partner with the Battle Creek Community Foundation on fundraising.
The plan for the project is also create a pump track for cycling. The park design will allow use by skooter riders, skate boards, inline skates, bicycles, etc. The skating community in Battle Creek is growing, with over 800 members at Battleground alone. Team Active also has a well established cycling community in the region, and a well designed skate park can become a great attraction for downtown.
