The Lakewood Skatepark celebrated its 20th anniversary on the night of Oct. 6. But it’s more than just a skatepark — it’s a community. It’s a family. It’s Lakewood.
Lakewood resident Vince Frantz established the skate section in Lakewood 20 years ago with no idea of what it would become. What started as a place for a couple of guys to hang out has grown into a community for skaters of all ages. It’s already been 20 years, but the fun has just begun.
Lakewood Mayor Meghan George cut the ribbon, marking the start of a whole new park. The new additions include a hip and turn-around zone, a rail and flatwork zone, a flow bowl, a taco, and a new shade structure.
Frantz has met many people through his skating experience. He says, “I know nine-year-olds’ names all over town and 50 and 60 and 20-year-olds because we are all at the skate park together.” It has made Lakewood an even closer community.
At first, this just started as a place for a few guys to mess around. They had to find a place and the time to skate. For them, Frantz says “…the reason you would do it is because you couldn’t put it down…it ate you up inside, not being able to [skate].” So, to see what this place has become and the opportunities it provides so many people in the community is a great reward for Frantz and his friends.
One thing Frantz is proud of and specifically loves about this skatepark is the age range and how everyone can coexist. He says, “I can’t have my 9u play with my 13u…but at the skatepark, all the ages can skate at the same time.” All the skaters who are there were once young. They know how scary it was to be around the big kids. But with the Lakewood Skate Park, the whole community can be there for each other and support the rising generation.
For Frantz, having these additions to the park and seeing how many people came out to celebrate was a very special night.
Scott Pazelt also attended the evening of celebration, adding to the list of notable people Frantz has met. Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Pazelt’s skateboarding journey began when he received a Tony Hawk skateboard for Christmas. He eventually moved to California, where he skated professionally during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
“I grew up here, moved back, and started reconnecting with the homies — Vince, a bunch of old friends I grew up with,” Pazelt said. “This was the only park when I moved back here, so everyone was just getting together at the same time,” he explained. The park has become a central gathering spot for skaters, making it especially meaningful to the local skate community.
Pazelt is one of the skaters whom young kids look up to at the park. His advice to the youngsters is simple: “Stick with it.” He emphasized that many kids nowadays will try so many activities, but don’t actually stick around long enough to discover what they truly love. His message to aspiring skaters is to persevere and not give up.
That night, Pazelt and many of his friends enjoyed hanging out and skating together, sharing in the camaraderie that makes the skate park a special place for the community.
The Lakewood Skatepark welcomes skaters of all ages. In the flow bowl, more experienced and older skaters can often be seen, serving as role models for the younger kids. These skaters are there to craft new lines, try out and perfect tricks, and spend time with friends. On Sundays, they even host what Pazelt calls the “old guy sessions,” providing a relaxed environment for the more seasoned skaters.
There is also a vibrant next generation of skaters. Kali Mannix, Ruby Moran, and Brooklynn Tunstall are three of the park’s regulars. They attended the anniversary celebration and all agreed that they had a blast. Although the skatepark can seem intimidating to newcomers—given the presence of older kids and skaters performing impressive stunts—these young skaters say the community is welcoming.
Brooklynn, Ruby, and Kali said in unison that the skatepark is “a very welcoming community.” They see it as an opportunity for new skaters to meet regulars and get involved in the fun. Brooklynn expressed that skate camp “pushes you to your limits without scaring you,” while Kali added that “they push you literally and mentally.” Skate camp is a perfect event for beginners and experienced skaters alike. It introduces new skaters to one another, provides a healthy environment to practice, and leaves a lasting positive impact on the kids.
If the young skaters could offer advice to the community, they would say, “You should come here way often, drop in, and learn new skills.” For anyone interested in joining the fun, improving their skills, or just starting to skate, skate camp is the place to be. Starting in March, the Lakewood Recreation Department will begin advertising, and enrollment will open. However, interested participants should act quickly—slots tend to fill up and sell out fast.
The Lakewood Skate Park isn’t just a place to skate—it’s a thriving community where generations come together, learn from one another, and grow both on and off the board. Whether you’re just starting out or pushing your limits, there’s a spot here for everyone. So, drop in and become part of this welcoming skate family. The next big trick, new friendship, or lifelong memory could be just one skate away.
