Bring Back Fawcett DIY

At 710 Fawcett Ave in downtown Tacoma, a hazardous vacant lot was transformed into a vibrant public asset. Known as Fawcett DIY, the space became a grassroots skatepark, gathering spot, and safe, active park until its recent closure. Now, we have a clear path to bring it back legitimately, sustainably, and with strong community momentum already in place.

Background

After a fire destroyed the building on site, the lot sat vacant for years—blighted and unsafe. In early 2025, a group of local skateboarders stepped in. With no outside help, they hauled out trash by the wheelbarrow, patched cement, did yardwork, swept the streets/sidewalks, and built a whole skatepark entirely from donated materials and their own labor.

The design was simple but effective: smooth cement, mellow obstacles, and an open layout that welcomed everyone, young kids, teens, adults, beginners, and seasoned skaters alike. It quickly became one of Tacoma’s most inclusive and approachable public spaces.

Public Space Built by the Public

Fawcett DIY wasn’t just a skatepark. Parents brought their kids. Neighbors stopped to watch. Firefighters waved as they drove by. Local workers and business owners thanked the crew for cleaning up the area and bringing positive activity to the block.

When the ramps were removed at the property owner’s request this week, the loss was felt citywide. The space had come to represent what’s possible when residents build something for the public good.

The Opportunity

We now have a chance to bring it back with the owner’s support under three simple conditions:

1) Secure liability insurance

2) Cover property taxes

3) Maintain the site

In order to move forward, we are partnering with Alchemy Skateboarding, a Tacoma-based non-profit which will act as a backbone organization for this community project. As a 501-c3 that supports skateboarding and advocacy through youth programs, Alchemy will hold the liability insurance, act as the main contact for property owners in regards to property tax and any lease agreements, and will manage funds related to the DIY’s planned future. As a small organization with no cash reserves, Alchemy cannot enter into a formal agreement until this funding goal has been met.

Why It Matters

Fawcett DIY is more than a skatepark, it’s a proof of concept. It shows how grassroots efforts can create inclusive, low-cost, high-impact public space. In an area of the city that urgently needs more safe places for everyone to get outside and be active, this project is already proven and ready to go. We invite your support as a donor, advocate, or partner to help make it happen.

Thank you!

Updated*** 11/8/2025

We’ve have raised our first 2 years of basic expenses! Massive thank you to everyone who donated here on GoFundMe and helped make this happen. Your support made all the difference. Huge thanks as well to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, South Sound 100, and the many others who stepped up to back this project. If you would like to contribute more to help, we will continue raising funds to build new obstacles and secure the space for years to come. Thank you!