Moving the skatepark
Donation protected
We are Keystone Rampworks, LLC a business involved in action sports!
Action sports includes BMX, Scooter, Skateboard, Inline Skating and Quad Skating.
The owner's are Mikki St.Pierre & Jeff Mushell (yes, we're terrible at introductions)
Our Mission: "Ramping up the community of action sports by offering a skatepark that is a growing keystone for riders. Supporting and partnering with local business', we know and trust, while creating a distinction that leads to family ties."
We have always been transparent about our operations and we will continue to do so because we believe this is a needed avenue for action sports participants and our youth.
*** THINGS CHANGE CONSTANTLY BECAUSE OF THE LINE OF BUSINESS WE ARE IN AND WE APPRECIATE EVERYONE OF YOU THAT HAVE FOLLOWED ALONG AND HELPED IN THIS ENDEAVOR***
WHY ARE WE A BUSINESS AND NOT A 501c?
We became a Limited Liability Company because a skatepark needs a secure way to stay open. Many public skateparks do not exist in our area because there is; 1) No one to monitor and maintain the park 2)No way to assure finances will be secured to assist in paying for the high cost of Insurance 3)No way to assure finances will be secured to assist in paying for property taxes 4) No way to assure some governing body will assist in monitoring the 3 previous issues 5) A 501c Does not help aide a city or county for the volume of people it can bring in monetarily and a business does.
Our choice to operate as a business provides the solution to all of these issues and provides financial assistance not only to keeping the skatepark open for years to come but also aides ,the city we reside in, with funding from taxes making it a valuable community asset.
(We pay taxes, we are less likely to be told "No" we can't have a skatepark in Luzerne County)
WHY IS A BUSINESS ASKING FOR MONEY?
Starting a skatepark is not something that can be done with limited resources. As you will find out in following sections, the cost just to be approved for a skatepark can increase quickly. The cost to assemble even a small park, say 1500 sq feet, starts at $60,000 whether indoor or outdoor.
Although we are a business, we are two able bodied people willing to take our own time to monitor and maintain the park with the limited financing we have from our own incomes. In the land of the free, nothing comes free and for a business to ask for a loan we must be in business for TWO years, meaning we need to shell out these costs from our own personal funds. We may still be turned down for a loan when the time comes, in March 2019, at our two year mark so it is crucial we have a backup plan such as our community to help.
What we are doing with GoFundMe is what business startups call "bootstrapping" asking for financial help from family and friends to make this park a reality, which we have.
WHERE IS THE PARK?
In 2017 we started as a GoFundMe Campaign, partnering with local business' to raise awareness and searching for a home to start a skatepark and coffee house in the Luzerne County/Wilkes Barre Area. We didn't get far in fundraising and it took us until April 2018 to find a home to house the skatepark and coffee house.
That home was temporary, inside the Wyoming Valley Sports Dome from May 1st 2018 - September 23rd 2018. The facility caters to soccer and couldn't risk their business for ours. They offered us a good way to promote what our business is all about and we are still currently receiving a small revenue stream from the coffee house while we continue to make the skatepark permanent.
We will be reopen Spring 2019 ,but without help, it will only be temporary and for the summer.
THE PROBLEMS WE FACE:
To have a skatepark the land or building must be zoned B-2 Special Use Entertainment. Most property is not zoned for this use and must be rezoned which takes approximately one month just to have a hearing and costs anywhere from $500 -$1000.
Once approved from zoning an application must be submitted for an Occupancy Permit usually $85-$150
Then an application is submitted to Code Enforcement to approve building, this process can take a month or more and if code enforcement requires a building permit after review of plans this can cost anywhere from $1000 and up plus the cost of a licensed contractor.
We will also need to tack on the cost of a demolition permit usually $100.
During the zoning and code enforcement process, we can not do any work. Once ALL is approved we can start work.
After completion of work code enforcement does an inspection for another $150 to let us know if we can operate or not and this can take up to a month for them to come through on inspection. In the event they find violations we must correct, while not operational ,and be charged another $150 for another visit which could take another month.
We also face the problem, usually when leasing, of being a "high risk tenant" to insurance companies. Meaning if we lease from a property, it is on the owner of the property to supply the correct insurance, we already have our own insurance, but both sides need it. This can be much more expensive than traditional retail insurance, and forces the cost of our rent to go up.
At this time our goal is to get funding in by the end of DECEMBER 2018 so we can submit applications to zoning , our hearing would be in early February 2019, then building permit applications which would put us into March 2019.
HOW FAR ALONG IN THE PROCESS IS THE BUSINESS?
From March 2017 - April 2018 we earned $4,500 in contributions and from sales of merchandise.
April 2018 We took that money along with $30,000 of our own finances and opened for operation in the Wyoming Valley Sports Dome from May 1st 2018-September 23rd 2018. Our Gross Sales were $24,000 in the short stay within "The Dome" while we continued to search for possibilities in the winter. (Yes, we are NEGATIVE $10,000 we didn't earn anything)
Our original goal was to take the revenue and put it toward a building, but as you can see there were not enough participants to make that possible. So we continued to search for a more feasible option, leasing at another facility.
September 2018 We submitted our zoning application to Wilkes Barre,PA , for a building we were told was ready to go, and we were approved October 18th 2018. Our lawyers continued to work on our lease only to find the landlord was unwilling to change his buildings insurance policy, thus leaving us with a hefty bill and back to searching for a new winter location.
November 2018 A new location was found in Wyoming, PA with B-2 Special Use Zoning Entertainment and a landlord with the correct insurance. We had no assurance from code enforcement, that once the repairs were done, we would have approval for operation. With the amount of time and money at risk to repair a building we may not be able to use, we backed out of the deal and decided to take our money and time back to our original goal, building.
Currently we are creating blue prints for the building and bootstrapping for funds to complete the project.
We are expecting total costs to be no more than $350,000 with a 60'x 154'x18' building about 9,000 sq. feet
This will include all Ramps, HVAC, Bathrooms, Sprinkler System, Emergency Hardware, Cement Pad, Parking, Security, Etc...
We have already received all quotes for pricing and they are well below cost, thanks to some really great people that have reached out to work on this project! With the average outdoor skatepark being around $40 a square foot, to build an indoor park for the same price is almost unheard of, so lets not loose these opportunities to make this possible.
If you don't believe the costs, please refer to Reading Skate Plaza Reading, PA or the most recent Allentown Skate Plaza, Allentown, PA.
March 2019 we reach our TWO year mark, we will need to apply for a loan, obviously. We are required to put down 25% ($87,500)
Currently we need to make up the other $70,000 through Bootstrapping/contributions/fundraising whatever you want to label it as. Help is help and that's what we're asking for.
In the event we get the funds and do not get the loan, we will still be open for the summer of 2019 and we will take the funds plus our revenue for 2019 and put all money towards a smaller project to get us into winter. Permits and applications are usually good for one year, sometimes longer.
OUR LONG TERM GOAL:
We have always intended to buy land and build our own facility for the skate park and coffee house. This comes from years of research and learning why most parks close; leases being raised to ridiculous rates or buildings being sold out from under the lessee.
We are forever grateful to the Wyoming Valley Sports Dome and Plains Township for being the place we could start our operations without backlash of being a skatepark. They embraced the concept and accepted it, understanding the safety measures we are taking to ensure this business is a fun and reliable opportunity for actions sports participants and their families.
Our opportunity with this family and community is still very open and real and we will be operating come spring 2019 if all else fails.
The opportunity to build next door to "The Dome" is still very real too, and we want to take that opportunity just as soon as we have the finances to do so
WHAT'S THE MONEY FOR?
$2,500 isn't much of a goal, we know, but the costs we incur to ensure this skatepark can become permanent is much higher. As we stand currently, operational costs still exist with insurance and the need for lawyers to cut through all of the "red tape."
This money is used for a skatepark and only ensures its survival for years to come. The more money we raise, the faster we can build a permanent facility.
We had over 632 participants from May 1st - September 23rd 2018 (yes, 632 different people)
If you're not 100% sure about us and what we're doing, at least 619 participants can vouch for us.
Like every business/non-profit we're sure there are a few that hate what we're doing and will try to stop to our efforts, all we care is this project gets completed so there's one more thing to do in the area instead of outside it.
ARE YOU CONSIDERING INVESTORS?
Yes, we have always been open to investors. The lack of wanting to invest in a skatepark is a problem we can't seem to find a solution for, but we are open to investors if you know of someone who you think may be a good fit for this business.
I DON'T LIKE GOFUNDME, HOW ELSE CAN I HELP?
Purchasing directly from our website helps us too, we currently have Pre-Sale Passes up for purchase along with our KSRW Travel Mug (Both would make super awesome presents!).
USE CODE: 2019 for a discount!
Checks can be made out to Keystone Rampworks, LLC please email us for address
Tell people about us! Sharing is caring, inviting our friends and family to help make this happen is super important and every little bit helps.
Our website www.KeystoneRampworks.com
Contact us anytime [email redacted]
Phone [phone redacted]
** A side note from our lawyer; Your contribution does not make you a share holder, investor or any term by which you would become accountable or have a say in Keystone Rampworks, LLC operations or business. **
***Keystone Rampworks, LLC is a business and not a charity organization, we are not tax exempt and neither is the money you're contributing to us, we are on the books and keep track of every cent we are given to help make this happen. We are happy to give you a receipt of payment for your help***
Action sports includes BMX, Scooter, Skateboard, Inline Skating and Quad Skating.
The owner's are Mikki St.Pierre & Jeff Mushell (yes, we're terrible at introductions)
Our Mission: "Ramping up the community of action sports by offering a skatepark that is a growing keystone for riders. Supporting and partnering with local business', we know and trust, while creating a distinction that leads to family ties."
We have always been transparent about our operations and we will continue to do so because we believe this is a needed avenue for action sports participants and our youth.
*** THINGS CHANGE CONSTANTLY BECAUSE OF THE LINE OF BUSINESS WE ARE IN AND WE APPRECIATE EVERYONE OF YOU THAT HAVE FOLLOWED ALONG AND HELPED IN THIS ENDEAVOR***
WHY ARE WE A BUSINESS AND NOT A 501c?
We became a Limited Liability Company because a skatepark needs a secure way to stay open. Many public skateparks do not exist in our area because there is; 1) No one to monitor and maintain the park 2)No way to assure finances will be secured to assist in paying for the high cost of Insurance 3)No way to assure finances will be secured to assist in paying for property taxes 4) No way to assure some governing body will assist in monitoring the 3 previous issues 5) A 501c Does not help aide a city or county for the volume of people it can bring in monetarily and a business does.
Our choice to operate as a business provides the solution to all of these issues and provides financial assistance not only to keeping the skatepark open for years to come but also aides ,the city we reside in, with funding from taxes making it a valuable community asset.
(We pay taxes, we are less likely to be told "No" we can't have a skatepark in Luzerne County)
WHY IS A BUSINESS ASKING FOR MONEY?
Starting a skatepark is not something that can be done with limited resources. As you will find out in following sections, the cost just to be approved for a skatepark can increase quickly. The cost to assemble even a small park, say 1500 sq feet, starts at $60,000 whether indoor or outdoor.
Although we are a business, we are two able bodied people willing to take our own time to monitor and maintain the park with the limited financing we have from our own incomes. In the land of the free, nothing comes free and for a business to ask for a loan we must be in business for TWO years, meaning we need to shell out these costs from our own personal funds. We may still be turned down for a loan when the time comes, in March 2019, at our two year mark so it is crucial we have a backup plan such as our community to help.
What we are doing with GoFundMe is what business startups call "bootstrapping" asking for financial help from family and friends to make this park a reality, which we have.
WHERE IS THE PARK?
In 2017 we started as a GoFundMe Campaign, partnering with local business' to raise awareness and searching for a home to start a skatepark and coffee house in the Luzerne County/Wilkes Barre Area. We didn't get far in fundraising and it took us until April 2018 to find a home to house the skatepark and coffee house.
That home was temporary, inside the Wyoming Valley Sports Dome from May 1st 2018 - September 23rd 2018. The facility caters to soccer and couldn't risk their business for ours. They offered us a good way to promote what our business is all about and we are still currently receiving a small revenue stream from the coffee house while we continue to make the skatepark permanent.
We will be reopen Spring 2019 ,but without help, it will only be temporary and for the summer.
THE PROBLEMS WE FACE:
To have a skatepark the land or building must be zoned B-2 Special Use Entertainment. Most property is not zoned for this use and must be rezoned which takes approximately one month just to have a hearing and costs anywhere from $500 -$1000.
Once approved from zoning an application must be submitted for an Occupancy Permit usually $85-$150
Then an application is submitted to Code Enforcement to approve building, this process can take a month or more and if code enforcement requires a building permit after review of plans this can cost anywhere from $1000 and up plus the cost of a licensed contractor.
We will also need to tack on the cost of a demolition permit usually $100.
During the zoning and code enforcement process, we can not do any work. Once ALL is approved we can start work.
After completion of work code enforcement does an inspection for another $150 to let us know if we can operate or not and this can take up to a month for them to come through on inspection. In the event they find violations we must correct, while not operational ,and be charged another $150 for another visit which could take another month.
We also face the problem, usually when leasing, of being a "high risk tenant" to insurance companies. Meaning if we lease from a property, it is on the owner of the property to supply the correct insurance, we already have our own insurance, but both sides need it. This can be much more expensive than traditional retail insurance, and forces the cost of our rent to go up.
At this time our goal is to get funding in by the end of DECEMBER 2018 so we can submit applications to zoning , our hearing would be in early February 2019, then building permit applications which would put us into March 2019.
HOW FAR ALONG IN THE PROCESS IS THE BUSINESS?
From March 2017 - April 2018 we earned $4,500 in contributions and from sales of merchandise.
April 2018 We took that money along with $30,000 of our own finances and opened for operation in the Wyoming Valley Sports Dome from May 1st 2018-September 23rd 2018. Our Gross Sales were $24,000 in the short stay within "The Dome" while we continued to search for possibilities in the winter. (Yes, we are NEGATIVE $10,000 we didn't earn anything)
Our original goal was to take the revenue and put it toward a building, but as you can see there were not enough participants to make that possible. So we continued to search for a more feasible option, leasing at another facility.
September 2018 We submitted our zoning application to Wilkes Barre,PA , for a building we were told was ready to go, and we were approved October 18th 2018. Our lawyers continued to work on our lease only to find the landlord was unwilling to change his buildings insurance policy, thus leaving us with a hefty bill and back to searching for a new winter location.
November 2018 A new location was found in Wyoming, PA with B-2 Special Use Zoning Entertainment and a landlord with the correct insurance. We had no assurance from code enforcement, that once the repairs were done, we would have approval for operation. With the amount of time and money at risk to repair a building we may not be able to use, we backed out of the deal and decided to take our money and time back to our original goal, building.
Currently we are creating blue prints for the building and bootstrapping for funds to complete the project.
We are expecting total costs to be no more than $350,000 with a 60'x 154'x18' building about 9,000 sq. feet
This will include all Ramps, HVAC, Bathrooms, Sprinkler System, Emergency Hardware, Cement Pad, Parking, Security, Etc...
We have already received all quotes for pricing and they are well below cost, thanks to some really great people that have reached out to work on this project! With the average outdoor skatepark being around $40 a square foot, to build an indoor park for the same price is almost unheard of, so lets not loose these opportunities to make this possible.
If you don't believe the costs, please refer to Reading Skate Plaza Reading, PA or the most recent Allentown Skate Plaza, Allentown, PA.
March 2019 we reach our TWO year mark, we will need to apply for a loan, obviously. We are required to put down 25% ($87,500)
Currently we need to make up the other $70,000 through Bootstrapping/contributions/fundraising whatever you want to label it as. Help is help and that's what we're asking for.
In the event we get the funds and do not get the loan, we will still be open for the summer of 2019 and we will take the funds plus our revenue for 2019 and put all money towards a smaller project to get us into winter. Permits and applications are usually good for one year, sometimes longer.
OUR LONG TERM GOAL:
We have always intended to buy land and build our own facility for the skate park and coffee house. This comes from years of research and learning why most parks close; leases being raised to ridiculous rates or buildings being sold out from under the lessee.
We are forever grateful to the Wyoming Valley Sports Dome and Plains Township for being the place we could start our operations without backlash of being a skatepark. They embraced the concept and accepted it, understanding the safety measures we are taking to ensure this business is a fun and reliable opportunity for actions sports participants and their families.
Our opportunity with this family and community is still very open and real and we will be operating come spring 2019 if all else fails.
The opportunity to build next door to "The Dome" is still very real too, and we want to take that opportunity just as soon as we have the finances to do so
WHAT'S THE MONEY FOR?
$2,500 isn't much of a goal, we know, but the costs we incur to ensure this skatepark can become permanent is much higher. As we stand currently, operational costs still exist with insurance and the need for lawyers to cut through all of the "red tape."
This money is used for a skatepark and only ensures its survival for years to come. The more money we raise, the faster we can build a permanent facility.
We had over 632 participants from May 1st - September 23rd 2018 (yes, 632 different people)
If you're not 100% sure about us and what we're doing, at least 619 participants can vouch for us.
Like every business/non-profit we're sure there are a few that hate what we're doing and will try to stop to our efforts, all we care is this project gets completed so there's one more thing to do in the area instead of outside it.
ARE YOU CONSIDERING INVESTORS?
Yes, we have always been open to investors. The lack of wanting to invest in a skatepark is a problem we can't seem to find a solution for, but we are open to investors if you know of someone who you think may be a good fit for this business.
I DON'T LIKE GOFUNDME, HOW ELSE CAN I HELP?
Purchasing directly from our website helps us too, we currently have Pre-Sale Passes up for purchase along with our KSRW Travel Mug (Both would make super awesome presents!).
USE CODE: 2019 for a discount!
Checks can be made out to Keystone Rampworks, LLC please email us for address
Tell people about us! Sharing is caring, inviting our friends and family to help make this happen is super important and every little bit helps.
Our website www.KeystoneRampworks.com
Contact us anytime [email redacted]
Phone [phone redacted]
** A side note from our lawyer; Your contribution does not make you a share holder, investor or any term by which you would become accountable or have a say in Keystone Rampworks, LLC operations or business. **
***Keystone Rampworks, LLC is a business and not a charity organization, we are not tax exempt and neither is the money you're contributing to us, we are on the books and keep track of every cent we are given to help make this happen. We are happy to give you a receipt of payment for your help***
Organizer
Mikki StPierre
Organizer
Wilkes-Barre, PA
