Red Belly Board Shop Southeast Michigan Festival of Average Speed Raises $1,500 for Ann Arbor Skatepark
Red Belly Board Shop Southeast Michigan Festival of Average Speed Raises $1,500 for Ann Arbor Skatepark
On Saturday, September 8, Michigan Downhill and Red Belly Board Shop held a skateboarding race as a fundraiser for the Ann Arbor Skatepark. The fundraiser raised $1,500 that will go directly toward the construction costs of the skatepark.
The race was held on hills near Hunt Park in Ann Arbor, and showed how a group of skateboard enthusiasts can create an atmosphere of safety, friendship, and respect among its members, as well as with the community and neighborhood. The event reflected Michigan Downhill’s “biography”, which is posted on their Facebook page:
“MI DH exists as a place for ambassadors to various regional scenes. To be in the crew, one should demonstrate commitment to refining their craft, teaching their craft, creating/attending events, wearing safety gear, and finding/keeping spots (including building rapport with neighbors/locals/police.) These individuals should be leaders in their respective scenes, be it regional, city, or university.
Skill level is trumped by personality and dynamism every time. MI DH is not meant to be an elite group of pretentious skaters. Instead it is a group dedicated to progressing the skill levels of all skaters, and to incentivize responsible and sustainable behavior within the skateboarding community.”
Hundreds of skaters came from across the state of Michigan and beyond to compete. This type of community involvement is what has made the Ann Arbor Skatepark project a reality. We couldn’t have gotten to where we are today without the help of so many energetic, positive, organized individuals and groups. We sincerely thank Michigan Downhill and Red Belly Board Shop for their support, and we look forward to working with them in the future.
Design of the Ann Arbor Skatepark will be happening this fall, with the schedule of public meetings coming soon. We are still working to raise money to fund the endowment for ongoing maintenance and improvements in the future. Click here to make a donation!
For more information on Michigan Downhill, contact David Liu at sushiboi92@gmail.com
