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

Walton County 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 and will soon become a reality. Helen McCall Park offers parking, clean restrooms, a playground, and various sports fields. A skatepark is a perfect addition to the facility.

Walton County 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 is pleased to present Sk8 Deck'O! This event will take place on February 20th from 5:00-8:00 PM. Walton Skate Society invites you to take part and enjoy a night of skateboard art, live music, and tasty food. Local art legends (including Andy), area VIPs, and guest artists from around the country are creating works of art out of blank skate decks. These decks will be part of an exhibition and silent auction at Trebeaché (2052 W County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach). Like the finest of gallery events, there will be food, drink, and music. Talented chef Jim Richard will prepare special “skate inspired” grinders. Setting the mood for their kickoff fundraiser will be local sound legends, The Owsley Brothers. Tickets are $30 general admission or $15 for students:

How You Can Help

You can help in some or all of the following ways:

Spread the word by sharing this blog post with your local family and friends.
Attend the fundraising event on February 20th, and bid on some of the auction items (such as Andy's original skateboard art, seen below).
Are you a business owner? Consider making a generous donation!
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.)
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).

The Walton Skate Society asked Andy to create a piece of art for Sk8 Deck'O, which would be sold via auction at the February 20th event to help fund the new skatepark. Andy cut three skateboards, arranged them into the shape of a pelican, and painted this piece:

"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.

I especially like the signature plate on this piece, which Andy tore out of a Thrasher magazine from 1989.

So, why the name Templeton? When Andy was growing up, Ed Templeton was one of his favorite skaters. Now, as an adult, Ed is one of Andy's favorite artists. Ed frequently posts pelican photos from the Huntington Beach pier, which he posts on his Instagram account. I guess you could say this piece is a tribute to both skateboarding and art. And YOU can bid on it at Sk8 Deck'O!

The first Walton County skatepark!