Dreams Never Die

In 2004, a group of teenagers started a goal of creating a skatepark in order to pursue their passions in the sport. A board was created, and with the assistance of parents and other involved community members, the park was created on the Fairgrounds property. In 2007 a concrete pad had been poured and ramps were installed. As these teenagers grew up and graduated from high school, the interest to maintain and upkeep the property weaned off, with the property becoming bygones of the past. This past summer, the skatepark was closed off from public access by the county due to possible liabilities.

Prior to the closing of the park, these same teenagers came together at the All-Class Reunion and spent time at the skatepark, skateboarding everyday while they were all in town. While reminiscing about their experiences, they realized the park can be better and can serve future generations not only in Glasgow but Valley County as well. The conversations spurred these now-adults into action where they decided to come together once again with the hopes of building a sustainable skatepark for the future.

“We are all still really good friends. And we now all have the experience. I worked in the non-profit field forever, Randon [Stormer] runs a local business, my husband, Matt, is a skateboarder and worked for a non-profit. With our experience, we can now make this happen!” explained President of this endeavor Tess Fahlgren. The board, which consists of Fahlgren, Stormer as treasurer and Clark Moorman as secretary, are ready to revitalize their teenage dreams and make Siding 45 Skatepark a reality.

Though they don’t have a concrete area of where to build this new skatepark as continued conversations still need to occur with the City of Glasgow, Fahlgren hopes it to be a 6,500 square foot park but “10,000 square feet would be cool too!,” she exclaimed, stating the ideal location would be by the pool but they have also looked placing it at Alumni Park or purchasing a location on the south side. As the project itself is revitalizing history, the name, Siding 45 Skatepark, also takes a piece of Glasgow history from back in the train days. “Glasgow was known as Siding 45, prior to being named Glasgow,” stated Fahlgren.

Fahlgren and her husband, Matt Austin, who grew up in the Grass Range area, really care about the youth of Glasgow and they remember what it’s like growing up in a small town. “What makes skateboarding unsafe is not having a safe place to skate. It teaches failure, perseverance, and resilience. It’s truly a great sport for everyone,” she said. She also explained how the skatepark would be available for everyone, not just skateboarders, as it would provide a cross-over for hockey players as they could roller blade and/or in-line skate during the summer months. Anyone, of any ability, would be welcome to utilize the park with possible workshops in the far future to learn how to skateboard.

Thankfully the group hasn’t had to start from scratch, as the bank account that was opened during their first endeavor has stayed open this entire time. “Brenda Anderson, who was the treasurer at the time, has been keeping the account healthy over the years. The account is under the umbrella of Two Rivers,” explained Fahlgren.

In addition to these funds, the group has also received a pledge for a matching grant of up to $75,000 from Jeff Ament, the bassist of Pearl Jam, through his MT Pool Service which is Ament’s personal foundation. Ament has provided funding for skateparks all over the state including Wolf Point, Malta and Lewistown through MT Pool Service and Montana Skatepark Association. According to Fahlgren, Ament heard about this opportunity via the group’s Instagram, and pledged the grant to them. “In order to receive the funds, we need the park to be concrete, permanent, and have it professionally designed and built. There also needs to be evidence that the community wants it,” stated Fahlgren.

In addition to the pledged grant from Ament, the group is looking at other fundraising opportunities including applying for the skatepark grant through the Tony Hawk Foundation as well as hosting local events. The first events will be held this weekend with Pint Night at the Busted Knuckle from 5 to 8 p.m. as well as being at the Holiday Bazaar this Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Glasgow Civic Center.

The group meets the second and fourth Monday of every month at the Wheatgrass Arts and Gallery to share ideas, organize, volunteer and move forward with the project. The group will also be reaching out for donations and welcome all donations to the cause. Due to being under Two Rivers, all donations are tax deductible.

Siding 45 Skatepark can be found on Facebook and Instagram @glasgowmtskatepark and you can register for their newsletter through their website, http://www.glasgowmtskatepark.com.