The short list: the following is a list of ideas and resources to help community volunteers with the task of public relations and fundraising

Parks & Recreation, June, 2003

The Internet: This is the best first stop to make on your way to building a skatepark. Queries of "fundraising," "build a skatepark," "grants," "community action" and "skatepark planning" will deliver nearly limitless Links to information.

The Plan: Go to www.consolidatedskateboards.com and click on "The Plan." Print it. Use it. It's basically a roadmap to use on your way to a new skatepark for your community, with a wealth of information on organizing, fundraising and design issues.

Skatepark.org: This organization can provide the basic education necessary for all aspects of the process. It's a well-organized and comprehensive source of information for planning, fundraising, designing and building a park.

Form a committee: Involve absolutely everyone in your community, but keep your committee small and manageable. According to Andy Andrews, you'll be more effective if your group is small and focused, and doesn't spend a lot of time arguing on direction.

Keep the media informed: Every step you take should be noticed by the local media. This will help you to gain the momentum and community participation you need.

Invite local officials: Any skatepark-related event you organize should include local politicians, city council members, religious leaders, school principals, corporate leaders and local business people.

The IRS: Information on applying for 501(c)(3) status can be found at http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/. Look for publication 557.

The Fundraising Resources Center: This group provides an educational resource for fundraising skills as well as a list of links for great sources of money. See http://fund-online.com.

Sell stuff: Kids are great sources of income if you give them something to sell Visit www.fundraisingweb.org for a list of companies that provide products at low cost for fund drives.

Grants and matching grants: Once you have your 501(c)(3) tax status, you can search for grants to help bolster your fundraising efforts. The best source for grant information is your local librarian.

The Tony Hawk Foundation: Although the demand for funds is huge and the number of grants awarded annually is relatively small, The Tony Hawk Foundation supports skatepark projects in under-served communities that plan free, accessible, permanent parks. It also provides technical assistance on design, construction and promotional and training materials, and can facilitate support from the community. Visit www.tonyhawkfoundation.org.

The Southern California Skatepark Coalition: A helpful group made up of Southern California parks and recreation officials who have successfully planned and built some of the best public skateparks in the nation. Despite the name, they're willing to help people nationwide. See http://socalskatepark.org.

The Skatepark Association of USA: An information resource, and a source of access to insurance, which tends to be a big obstacle for many cities. See www.spousa.org.

Set up a Web site and listserv: Keep everyone who has shown any interest in the skatepark informed of your progress, problems and needs. Publish your thank-you notes for support on the listserv to let everyone see who's contributing. It can be contagious.

The wish list: Donations of materials, professional support, skills and labor can be better than money, and it's often easier for companies to make in-kind donations than cash contributions. Keep an accurate list of your needs and keep it visible.

Plan an event: You must spend money to make money. Once you have a nest egg, plan a large-scale event. Skateboard obstacles can be rented and used for a demonstration or a competition. Include a raffle, sell food, have a concert, invite local radio and TV stations. Make it big.

Plan a permanent park: Modular units can be a great temporary solution as illustrated by the Hailey, Idaho experience. But don't sell yourself short with plans for an "affordable" alternative. The actual difference between an above-ground modular park and an in-ground concrete facility can be slim once you factor in land costs, the necessary concrete pad and a short shelf-life. Have patience and invest in a permanent structure.

Stick with it: Andy Andrews emphasizes the importance of perseverance when he says, "Don't be afraid to ask for help and don't give up the vision." The wheels of government and fundraising can grind painfully slowly. Stick with it.