Maglaj Skate Park

Donate to Maglaj Skate Park (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

*UPDATE** SKATEPARK CONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETE -* Read here.

You might be thinking, “Skate Park? Really?”. A multi-phase study funded by the Tony Hawk Foundation and conducted by researchers from the University of Southern California’s (USC) Pullias Center for Higher Education and Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism shares that:

Skateboarding, widely popular and often misunderstood, occupies a unique space in society. General aerobic exercise has been shown as an effective treatment for medical (e.g., diabetes, low back pain) and psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression). Capitalizing on these principles of exercise therapy, skateboarding is used formally and informally by individuals, groups, and organizations for physical, mental, and socio-cultural healing.

Physical and mental health reasons are expounded upon within The Top 6 Benefits of Public Skateparks.

One iconic brand known to the skateboarding world, even if you are not a skater, is Vans. In their article with Huck Magazine entitled “Can Skateboarding Save Your City?” propose that:

The urban spaces we call home don't always give us what we need. If a sense of creativity and community is lacking, it may be time to call in the skaters.

They list a few benefits such as:

reduce crime
neighborhood camaraderie (self-policing)
new economic development
building bridges between communities
positive- forward thinking entrepreneurs

Maglaj Skate Park exist to serve and empower the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. They have completed the construction of a skate park which continues to provide skate classes and camps. The skate park continues to provide a safe recreational area for youth and families and gives teens and families a sense of ownership and pride for their community. They have completed the facilitating of a 9-part mural in the center of town. The mural projects served to build community pride and showcases works of art within the center of the city.

Their new and upcoming projects include: 1) Paint a mural in the children’s wing of the pediatric department of the Health Center in Maglaj, 2) Contribute to phase two of the repair of a metal Skate Park in Sarajevo with another organization, and 3) Build a small picnic shelter at the Skate Park in Maglaj OR Bridge Beautification.

Business activities geared Towards Good Health and Well-Being and Sustainable Cities and Communities:

Target: Promote access to safe recreational activities and exercise zones, primarily for children and teens. (written for PRINT, under Target 3.8)

Target: Promote universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children. (adapted from Target 11.7)

Measured by:

Number of local entities who are supporting the skate park?
Number of individuals who attended the opening event (completed Q4 2022)
Number of community leaders who attended the event (completed Q4 2022)
Number of children who attended the “skate school” teaching sessions
Number of students and artists participating in the mural design (completed Q3 2023)
Number of local entities who are supporting the mural project (completed Q3 2023)
Progress that has been made on the mural/shelter/repair/bridge project?
Number of students and artists participating in the art design?
Number of local entities who are supporting the community projects?
Along with stories, photos/videos, news articles

Donate to Maglaj Skate Park (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Maglaj Skate Park exist to serve and empower the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The skate park continues to provide a safe recreational area for youth and families and gives teens and families a sense of ownership and pride for their community. The mural projects serve to build community pride and showcases works of art.

Their new and upcoming projects include: 1) Paint a mural in the children’s wing of the pediatric department of the Health Center in Maglaj. 2) Contribute to phase two of the repair of a metal Skate Park in Sarajevo with another organization. 3) Build a small picnic shelter at the Skate Park in Maglaj OR Bridge Beautification.