'I hope to see you there one day': Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk gives a shoutout to the future Oconomowoc skatepark
Evan Frank
One of the most recognizable skateboarders on the planet recently gave a special shoutout to the soon-to-be constructed skatepark in Oconomowoc.
In a 45-second video that was sent to Craig Schiefelbein, a member of the Oconomowoc skatepark committee, former professional skateboarder Tony Hawk said he heard the skatepark "in Ocon is going to be awesome."
"I know the benefits of having skateparks in your area in terms of mental health, in terms of kids believing in themselves, but mostly having a community of people to share ideas and share the space," Hawk said. "We're not trying to make pro skaters, we're just trying to have a place where they feel like they belong."
The video was made possible because of a mutual friend between Hawk and Schiefelbein.
"To all the Ocon skaters, I hope I get to see you out there one day," Hawk said.
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Oconomowoc Ald. Lou Kowieski has also been involved in making the project a reality.
"It was an oh wow kind of moment," Kowieski said of the video. "This is a big deal. We've seen an increase in contributions through GoFundMe since that was posted. It's definitely created a buzz on social media."
The common council approved $125,000 in the 2021 budget to be used for the skatepark if an additional $200,000 in private donations could be raised. Schiefelbein, who will personally donate $50,000 to the project, said he will push to raise $250,000 instead of $200,000 for additional features.
One feature will be a walking/skating path that will lead to a pavilion and seating area next to the skatepark. Lighting that would encompass the skatepark and walkway is also expected to be added if enough money can be raised.
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The skatepark will be behind the outfield fence of the baseball field at Roosevelt Park.
Craig Hoeppner, the director of parks, recreation and forestry in Oconomowoc, said the footprint of the park is expected to be over 12,000 square feet.
"It's going to be the premier place in all of the state and probably the region," Hoeppner said. "It's going to be pretty darn nice."
The final design of the park is expected to be completed in May. Richie Conklin, a project manager and assistant designer for project builder at Evergreen Skateparks, said the project is expected to be completed by Sept. 1.
"Every design we do is tailormade to the site and the community," Conklin said. "No two skateparks are the same. They all have similar elements but they're put together in a unique way every time. Oconomowoc is getting something made special for them."
For more information, visit oconomowocskatepark.com.
Contact Evan Frank at (262) 361-9138 or evan.frank@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Evanfrank_LCP.