Correspondent photo / John Patrick Gatta Justin Laganson of Mentor launches off of the quarter pipe doing a tweaked melon grab during the Pop-Up Skatepark on Saturday at Penguin City Brewing in downtown Youngstown. Ranging in age from pre-K to adults in their 40s, more than 160 riders took part with more than 300 spectators on hand. The goal was to raise funds and awareness to build a skate park in Youngstown.

YOUNGSTOWN — With the goal of finally offering action sports athletes of all ages a place to call their own, the Youngstown Skatepark Association presented a taste of what could be when it created its Pop-Up Skatepark on Saturday at Penguin City Brewing.

For YSA Board Chair Zack Felger, who has been riding skateboards for 16 years, the event became the next step in the process of making his longtime dream into a reality.

“The idea behind the Pop-Up Skatepark is simple: demonstrate the need. The Youngstown Skatepark Association is working to build a permanent, free public skate park in Youngstown, and the pop-up format allows us to temporarily bring ramps, rails and obstacles into existing community spaces.

“It gives kids, teens and adults a safe, structured place to skate, BMX, scooter and rollerblade, while also showing community leaders what’s possible. It’s both a community-building event and a proof of concept.”

Ranging in age from pre-K to adults in their 40s, more than 160 riders took part with more than 300 spectators on hand; some who supervised and assisted beginners, and others who collected memories via photos or visited the vending tables that included the Youngstown Area Roller Derby team, Rise & Grind Bike Shop and Stuck In Ohio.

“Hosting the skatepark pop-up at Penguin City is incredible,” said Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki, co-owner of Penguin City Brewing Company. “Seeing kids, families and skaters come together in our space reminds me why we do this. It’s about creating a place where the community can connect, express themselves and feel welcome.”

YSA was established in November 2024 as a 100% volunteer-led nonprofit organization that is focused on advocating and fundraising for a “space to serve the entire action sports community.” While the number of indoor skate parks in the Mahoning Valley fluctuates, Warren has had an outdoor public area for 16 years.

“It’s been received well by all, especially the current administration here in Youngstown. Everybody from the mayor to (1st Ward) Councilman Julius Oliver, they’ve all been incredibly supportive,” Felger said.

He recognizes that his vision will take an extended amount of time to find the correct spot and construct the skate park.

“As we progress through this effort, more and more council people are going to be wanting to see it possibly come into their ward. So, maybe we end up with not just one skate park, but two or three.

“Honestly, I don’t think people are picky where it goes, but they’re taking into account all the various factors — whether public transportation is accessible, whether it’s ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible, the proximity of youth around that area, the proximity of businesses locally. Wherever it’s most feasible is where we think it’s gonna go.”

Among the attendees at the Pop-Up Skatepark was Hubbard native and freestyle BMX cyclist Nick Bruce. While the Olympian and X Games participant acknowledged current and closed places in Youngstown, Austintown, Hubbard and Boardman where he developed his skills, he’s hopeful that Felger’s idea pans out.

“Some people would travel from all over the world to ride these skate parks that were here. It’s really incredible that there is a deep-rooted history of action sports and skate park culture in this area.There’s still a growing demand for a public park to help, maybe, have another Olympian come out of this area,” Bruce said.

Could Emerson Toot, 5, of Youngstown, become a future competitive action sports athlete? His dad, Bob, had nothing more on his mind at the event than helping his son get comfortable on a skateboard.

He said, “I’ve been involved in this skateboarding community since I was 10 years old — I’m 32 now — all around Youngstown. It has been a long time that we’ve been looking for a good place to skate.

“Skateboarding was important to me because it provided a community where everybody gets together, and you keep kids safe, keep them off the streets. It teaches resilience. You fall down, you get back up and keep going. That’s why I’m teaching my son how to skate.”

Felger agrees with that view. “I’ve visited and skated parks in cities of all sizes, and what stands out most is how they become community hubs. You’ll see beginners learning next to experienced skaters, families hanging out and people encouraging one another.

“Well-designed skate parks are thoughtfully laid out, durable and welcoming to multiple disciplines — skateboarding, BMX, scooters and inline skating. That sense of shared space and positive energy is something we absolutely want to bring to Youngstown.”