South Walton Skatepark Coming Soon!

Thanks to the Walton Skate Society, the first South Walton skatepark will soon be a reality! This is a dream come true for people like Andy, who has been skateboarding since he was a kid.

walton-skate-society-1-300x281.jpg

South Walton Skatepark History A few years ago, a group of like-minded people from the Surfrider Foundation’s Emerald Coast Chapter decided to advocate for a public skatepark in South Walton. The group is called the Walton Skate Society, and anyone in the community can be a part of the mission.

South Walton Skatepark Location

The Walton Skate Society currently has a commitment from the Walton County Board of County Commissioners to provide approximately 20,000 square feet of space at Helen McCall Park (325 Moll Dr, Santa Rosa Beach). The master plan originally called for a skatepark. However, this was put on the back-burner while other mainstream sports facilities were built. Due to the efforts of the Walton Skate Society, it is now back on track. Helen McCall Park offers parking, clean restrooms, a playground, and various sports fields. A skatepark is a perfect addition to the facility.

South Walton Skatepark Cost

This isn’t going to be cheap. The Walton Skate Society knows that getting the right builder to produce a quality skatepark is going to cost money. Early research shows they will need close to $300,000. They will raise that money through fundraising events, sponsorship programs, grants, etc.

Sk8 Deck'O Fundraiser

Surfrider Foundation's Emerald Coast Chapter hosted Sk8 Deck'O at Trebeaché on the evening of February 20th. The event featured a skateboard art auction, live music by The Owsley Brothers, and special “skate inspired” grinders by chef Jim Richard. Andy created one of the fifteen pieces of skateboard art included in the live auction. His piece was made of three skateboards, which he arranged into the shape of a pelican, and then painted. "Templeton" is 64x35 inches. His wings and head are made from skateboard decks. His eye is one of Andy's old skateboard wheels. His legs and feet are made from Independent trucks and Spitfire wheels.

Templeton-64x35.jpg

Andy's pelican art

Sk8 Deck'O was a huge success! About 225 people attended, and they raised over $20,000! Here are a few photos from the event...

Andy chatting with Justin Gaffrey

Andy chatting with Justin Gaffrey

DSC_9436.jpg
DSC_9437.jpg
IMG_5367.jpg
Andy with Fran Adaro

Andy with Fran Adaro

Fran Adaro's skateboard art 

Fran Adaro's skateboard art 

Stefan Daiberl's skateboard art

Stefan Daiberl's skateboard art

The Owsley Brothers 

The Owsley Brothers 

How You Can Help

Your help is still needed! Please consider doing the following:

  1. Spread the word by sharing this blog post with your local family and friends.
  2. Join the Walton Skate Society's Facebook group. Invite your local family and friends to do the same. It's the best way to stay in the loop! (You can also like their Facebook page and follow them on Instagram.)
  3. Are you a business owner? Perhaps you could make a generous donation!
  4. Contact the Walton Skate Society at info@WaltonSK8s.com or (850) 225-1747, and ask them how to get involved (pass out flyers, put a sticker on your car, etc).
Lori