From a fenced-off and neglected fixture in the Laramie community to a thriving and vibrant project that continues to expand. The Laramie Skatepark has seen a lot of change over the past half-decade, and now the non-profit, Friends of Laramie Skatepark, is asking for funds to continue improving and expanding the park.

"The greatest thing that you can learn at a skate park," said Josh Kaffer who is with the organization. "Is how to take measured risks and get back up when you fall.

Kaffer thinks that the upcoming expansion projects for the park will help give spaces to beginners to test out their skills, as well as new challenges for experienced skaters. Friends of the Laramie Skatepark are asking the Albany County Recreation Board for funds to help make the expansions a reality, but plan to fund-raise during the year to reach their goal of $100,000 for the first two sections.

Section 1 (Red & Yellow) is a “Street course”. This is a crucial space for our beginners and more technical riders. It is divided into three sections, offering progressively larger elements and more speed as your roll down the natural slope. The elements in this entire section are more spread out so that athletes can focus on mastering single tricks without having to maneuver around too many other elements.

- Friends of the Laramie Skatepark Facebook Post 

With a robust skatepark, activities for children, adults, and tourists alike are plentiful. "Whether it's skateboarders, quad skaters, BMX bikers, or the kid just starting out," Kaffer said. He envisions a skate park that draws professionals to stop in our small community, and a place where it's all self-determination: You challenge yourself at the skate park, without a coach to tell you what you should focus on. You get help from those around you, and that's the kind of community that the Friends of the Laramie Skatepark hope to foster with the funds they're seeking from the Albany County Recreation Board. 

 

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