Help with the Indoor Skatepark project

Skateboarding saved me. For me and so many others, it wasn’t just a hobby—it was an escape, a way to create, and a place to belong. It gave us a different way to see the world, using the environment around us as a blank canvas. That passion led me to open my own skate shop in 2010, but it all started long before that, right here in Hartford, CT.

In my youth, skateboarding was my way of breaking free from the typical day-to-day childhood of fitting in, playing sports, and just being outside. More than that, it introduced me to some of the most amazing, talented people—friends and fellow skaters who shaped my journey and helped build the foundation for everything I do today.

In 1996, what started as a nickname I gave to a bunch of ledges turned into what many refer to as Heaven, a skate park in the City of Hartford, CT. This park has become a staple in the city and has been home to many very talented youth over the years. With the continuous efforts of many, Heaven has been preserved and protected by its culture. Sadly, when winter arrives, it cripples a lot of what that park has helped create, especially for skateboarders. Being on the East Coast, skaters are affected by harsh winter months. Unfortunately, there are very few places for them to skate indoors and very few, if any, that are free to skate.

I've watched some very talented kids quit because of not really having a place to go in winter or having the means to keep their passion for skateboarding on a path. I've witnessed some turn to the wrong crowd, as well as bad habits, because of not having this outlet to keep that drive alive. My goal in this is to provide a small indoor skate park that would allow them to continue to skate all year round and possibly aid them in finding something other than a wrong turn. A free park for them to come and push that passion for creativity to the next level and be around people who are doing just that.

I'm also working with the city and other possible sponsors and donors to make this a reality. This GoFundMe is just the beginning of something great and positive to come. The funds that are donated will be used for building materials for ramps, utilities, and other expenses that will make this park a true asset to the community. Various donations will aid in safety equipment and products for the park, as well as much-appreciated future donations to help with the upkeep of the park and the amazing events it hosts. I want to be able to have a place where talented people can come together and aid in giving them that extra push with things like events. An area to house products displayed that might just help a young entrepreneur get noticed for their talent. Contests, fundraisers like food and clothing drives, music and art shows, skate lessons for even younger youth, possibly art lessons as well—but mainly, an indoor skate park for skateboarders to thrive all year long.

A place like this is very much needed in our community, and I hope that everyone who donates sees this as just that—a positive place of talented, passion-driven people. Not every kid plays or is into mainstream sports; we need more places like this to help aid instead of limit these passions and support what they have to offer. I hope you all will help make this dream a reality and support the funding of this indoor park. You all will be helping a tremendous number of people who I know will be greatly appreciative of your contribution.

Thank you,

Jami "Frog" Dolce

(Note: The images included in the link are not the official plans or final designs for the skatepark—they are just a rough idea to help visualize the concept.)