Talkeetna Skate Park Committee

About the Talkeetna Skate Park

The Talkeetna Skatepark aims to be a world class skatepark for a variety of non-motorized wheeled recreation. This will be a community gathering space and with incorporated amenities such as benches and landscaping to be a true community spacethat fosters connection, physical exercise, challenges, and inclusivity.

The grassroots planning for Talkeetna Skate Park began in 2015, with a dedicated group of volunteers who gathered momentum, and the use of a 5-acre parcel of Matanuska

Susitna Borough land, next to Wildwoods Playground. The site previously was the home of the Talkeetna Public Library for 30 years. With the help of grants, the building and septic were removed in a safe manner as asbestos mitigation was required. Donations in 2015-16 from individuals and local businesses provided funds for vital start-up costs.

When the OG volunteer organizers moved from Talkeetna there was a lull in the project until 2024, when a new group of volunteers began work to help make the park a reality. In the summer of 2024, long time seasonal resident, mountain guide, and well-known professional athlete, Michael Gardner, begun planning with local volunteers. An experienced planner of rural skateparks, he brought a great joy and momentum to the project. Tragically, in October 2024, Michael was in a fatal accident while climbing in Nepal.

Our park planner, Grindline Skate Parks, Inc. with our strong team of dedicated local volunteers, and sponsors, are committed to making the park a reality and plan to have construction begin in summer 2026.

UPDATES

Winter 2026: To date, we have had incredible support from our community. More than 270 individuals and businesses have contributed $73,000 toward the skatepark.

We are excited to announce that we received a grant from The Bachelor Society to create a "loaner library" of skateboards, helmets, pads, and gear at the Talkeetna Gear Shop this upcoming summer. This initiative will provide an easy, approachable way for people to join our skating community while removing financial barriers to the sport.

Our committee continues to have a strong group of volunteers dedicated to the project, and we are seeking anyone else who is passionate about this effort to join us

The Talkeetna Skate Park Committee is moving along with strength, we welcome new members, who wish to use their talents to help us build this incredible skatepark for the Northern Susitna Valley.

After a busy 2024-25 winter we have secured the land use and park management agreements with the Matanuska Susitna Borough (MSB), held three community meetings with our designer and builder, Grindline, Inc, participated in and held community events, and our committee continues to meet bi-monthly.  

Autumn / Winter/ Spring 2025: Fundraising campaigns raise over $20,000! Hoodie and T shirt sales raised over: $2,000. Over eight private and state grants applied for. Park Sponsorships become available. Several Community events including, info table at SVS Jr. Sr. High School, participating in Halloween trunk-or treat, Ice fest, and our very own gameshow: Krew Feud, a wildly fun Family Feud style game show.

Summer 2025: Community events potluck community skate in early July. Hoodie, t-shirt, stickers, and key chain sales raise over $3,000. Our project recognition goes worldwide with the help of Arc’teryx, Grindline Skateparks, Inc., and Antarctic Logistics Expeditions.

Our Construction build start date, pending fundraising, is now to Spring 2026! Autumn 2025: Community events and Fundraising Campaign: Our goal is to raise $125,000, 30% of our Phase One construction cost. Many significant grants require 30% to have been raised before they will award funds. We will work closely with Matanuska Susitna Borough, and be applying for more local, statewide, and national grants! Planned community events include Halloween Skate, November Potluck and Music night(s), and Krew Feud will be back! Fundraiser with our new design T- shirts and Hoodie are now available via mail order and in person at The Talkeetna Gear Shop.

SPONSORS

($1000 or more): Matanuska Electric Association, Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, Cullerton Club, Alaska Mountaineering School, LLC., Denali Brewing Company, Twister Creek Restaurant, Mountain High Pizza Pie, Matanuska Telephone Association, Fairview Inn, Talkeetna Gear Shop, Talkeetna Community Council, and Talkeetna Bachelor Society.

Merch Available for purchase at Talkeetna Gear Shop and www.talkeetnagearshop.com!

Thank you for your support

Please email tkaskatepark@gmail.com if interested in ordering Talkeetna Skatepark t-shirts!

Thank you for your support!