Skatespace collaborates with Gorge Makerspace for summer camp

WHITE SALMON — From July 6–10, a collaboration between Skatespace and Gorge Makerspace gave local youth a chance to build and ride their own skate features in a five-day summer camp.

The idea for the partnership came together through a conversation between Skatespace founder and owner Mike Parziale and neighbor Jared Wolf, executive director of Gorge Makerspace.

“We have a lot of crossover between these kids,” Parziale said. “One day he mentioned doing a collaborative camp, and I was all for it. It’s a great way to combine being active with making things.”

The camp ran Monday through Friday with transportation provided for Oregon participants from May Street Elementary. Each day began at Skatespace before campers traveled to regional skateparks, including Bingen, Mosier, Hood River and The Dalles.

For many campers, the opportunity doubled as an introduction to parks they had never visited.

“A lot of these kids didn’t even know some of these parks existed,” Parziale said. “It’s fun to see them realize there are all these different places to skate.”

Campers also spent time at the Gorge Makerspace, working in small groups with the help of coaches to build skate features they could eventually use.

Beyond summer camps, Skatespace has an after-school skateboard club that has become its core offering, growing to around 100 members since launching last winter. The program provided transportation from local schools and served up to 15 students per day. Additional offerings include lessons, open skate sessions and community events.

“Skateboarding teaches resiliency, taking turns, and getting along with others,” Parziale said. “You fall down, you get back up — it’s a metaphor for life.”

Creating an inclusive environment was also a priority, particularly for beginners who might feel intimidated at traditional skateparks.

“We remind kids that skateparks are for everyone. They’re public spaces, and everybody is welcome,” Parziale said. “The goal is to create a communal space where people can come together, skateboard at any level, and feel connected.