The City asks local residents from Heavener and the surrounding area to use the link provided below to complete an on-line survey to determine the amount of local desires for a skatepark in Heavener.  Pictured above is the skatepark built at Sandsprings, OK.

Mrs. Lisa Fabian recently visited with City Manager Mike Kennerson about the feasibility of getting a skatepark constructed in Heavener for local kids to use. She provided information on local communities that have in recent years have constructed skateparks.  Mrs. Fabian is a strong supporter of recreational activity that will help local children in positive ways. She has researched potential grant opportunities and funding sources to pay for construction. Her plan is to seek funding from the Tony Hawks Foundation, Choctaw Nation Council, and City of Heavener, along with holding local fund raisers. Please use the following link to complete an on-line survey http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22BML7SJ63W/.

The Tony Hawk Foundation (THF) seeks to foster lasting improvements in society, with an emphasis on supporting and empowering youth. Through special events, grants, and technical assistance, the Foundation supports recreational programs with a focus on the creation of public skateboard parks in low-income communities. The Foundation favors programs that clearly demonstrate that funds received will produce tangible, ongoing, positive results.

Per the THF website (www.tonyhawkfoundation.org) they stress the importance of skateparks in high-risk areas as they offer kids a safe place to go and something to do that gives them a sense of self-esteem they may never find anywhere else. Once communities get their first park, they almost always build more because they see the enduring positive effects they have on kids. Not to mention that the parks get used from dawn to dusk.

Since 2002 the THF has been fulfilling its mission to help young people by issuing grants to low-income communities building quality public skateparks, and providing guidance to city officials, parents, and children through the process. In the past three years the foundation has distributed more than $3.1-million to 444 public skatepark projects across the United States.The foundation supports programs focused on the creation of public skateboard parks. The foundation favors projects that have strong community involvement, grassroots fundraising, and a base of support from the skaters, parents, law enforcement, and local leaders.Examples of local towns that have received THF grants are: