Board of Directors
Ric Mueller, Chairman
Greg Koenig, Vice-Chairman
Mike Borg, Treasurer
Lee Mueller, Secretary
Al Zoeller, Director
Andy Lynch, Director
About The Friends of Milford Skate Park is a non-profit/501(c)(3) citizens organization, working in partnership with the Milford Village and Township Parks and Recreation Committees, to create a permanent world-class FREE skatepark for the skateboarders in Milford, Michigan. We see the need for a safe and legal place for all of these extremely talented skateboarders in our area to enjoy in their favorite recreational activity, Skateboarding!
History In 2003 Milford Township determined a need for a Skate Park through a feasibility study provided by Wade-Trim. Community meetings were held to establish a grassroots citizen group to fund the project. In November 2004, The Friends of Milford Skate Park (FoMSP) was created with a balance sheet of $100. It took one community bottle drive after the 2005 Super Bowl to generate $800 for operational cash. The effort was up and running!
In 2005 a marketing plan was developed to increase skate park awareness, recruit volunteers, and raise money. The Friends of Milford Skatepark held skate days using portable equipment, held spaghetti dinners, had 50/50 raffles, sold bottled water, sponsored a national demo tour, and sold FoMSP promotional gear. On November 7, 2005 theyh received non-profit status from the IRS.
In 2006 the skatepark effort focused on community support and securing funding for the construction and land acquisition. The Village of Milford and the Township of Milford gave official support endorsements and both agreed to jointly operate the park once completed. Endorsements were also received from the Milford Village Council, Milford Village Parks and Recreation, Milford Township Boardand Milford Township Parks and Recreation. Most promising, the Village of Milford offered a future location for the Milford Skatepark in Hubbell Pond Park. Continuing fund-raising efforts Skatepark volunteers conducted a silent auction, skateboard awareness week, and a letter campaign to Fortune 500 companies (Home Depot donated $5,000). With interest building and awareness spreading, skatepark volunteers took a road trip to several Michigan skateparks to generate ideas and examine possibilities. Unfortunately at the close of 2006, disaster struck! The ramps and equipment which were used to host skate days throughout Milford were stolen from a members home. Luckily generous support from the community and the Milford Band was able to replace or rebuild the stolen items.
In 2007 the first 3 day skate event was held with a $500 prize. This regional competition was held during the Milford Memories festival. Fund raising efforts were continued through a Texas Hold-em competition which raised approximately $30,000. In 2008, the Friends of Milford Skatepark participated in the Downtown Halloween Bash, the YMCA Halloween Party, the Milford Christmas Parade and continued their skate day events. Recently, Pete Bosheff of Skate Park Resources and Bob Ford of Landscape Architects and Planners were hired to design and continue the pursuit of bringing a world-class Skatepark to the Community of Milford. Bob Ford and Pete Bosheff have aided in the development of a grant which is ready for submission to the State of Michigan for funding opportunities. Currently, FoMSP efforts are targeted towards continued fund-raising and securing in-kind donations to ensure the proper basis for securing the grant funding needed. Skatepark volunteers will soon be hitting the streets and visiting your house in an effort to raise awarness and funds to accomplish their goals. A mere $50 per household will have our park built. You are encouraged to donate, contribute, comment, or participate in any capacity comfortable. The future of Milford's Skatepark starts at home.
Board of Directors
Ric Mueller, Chairman
Greg Koenig, Vice-Chairman
Mike Borg, Treasurer
Lee Mueller, Secretary
Al Zoeller, Director
Andy Lynch, Director
About
The Friends of Milford Skate Park is a non-profit/501(c)(3) citizens organization, working in partnership with the Milford Village and Township Parks and Recreation Committees, to create a permanent world-class FREE skatepark for the skateboarders in Milford, Michigan. We see the need for a safe and legal place for all of these extremely talented skateboarders in our area to enjoy in their favorite recreational activity, Skateboarding!
History
In 2003 Milford Township determined a need for a Skate Park through a feasibility study provided by Wade-Trim. Community meetings were held to establish a grassroots citizen group to fund the project. In November 2004, The Friends of Milford Skate Park (FoMSP) was created with a balance sheet of $100. It took one community bottle drive after the 2005 Super Bowl to generate $800 for operational cash. The effort was up and running!
In 2005 a marketing plan was developed to increase skate park awareness, recruit volunteers, and raise money. The Friends of Milford Skatepark held skate days using portable equipment, held spaghetti dinners, had 50/50 raffles, sold bottled water, sponsored a national demo tour, and sold FoMSP promotional gear. On November 7, 2005 theyh received non-profit status from the IRS.
In 2006 the skatepark effort focused on community support and securing funding for the construction and land acquisition. The Village of Milford and the Township of Milford gave official support endorsements and both agreed to jointly operate the park once completed. Endorsements were also received from the Milford Village Council, Milford Village Parks and Recreation, Milford Township Boardand Milford Township Parks and Recreation. Most promising, the Village of Milford offered a future location for the Milford Skatepark in Hubbell Pond Park. Continuing fund-raising efforts Skatepark volunteers conducted a silent auction, skateboard awareness week, and a letter campaign to Fortune 500 companies (Home Depot donated $5,000). With interest building and awareness spreading, skatepark volunteers took a road trip to several Michigan skateparks to generate ideas and examine possibilities. Unfortunately at the close of 2006, disaster struck! The ramps and equipment which were used to host skate days throughout Milford were stolen from a members home. Luckily generous support from the community and the Milford Band was able to replace or rebuild the stolen items.
In 2007 the first 3 day skate event was held with a $500 prize. This regional competition was held during the Milford Memories festival. Fund raising efforts were continued through a Texas Hold-em competition which raised approximately $30,000. In 2008, the Friends of Milford Skatepark participated in the Downtown Halloween Bash, the YMCA Halloween Party, the Milford Christmas Parade and continued their skate day events. Recently, Pete Bosheff of Skate Park Resources and Bob Ford of Landscape Architects and Planners were hired to design and continue the pursuit of bringing a world-class Skatepark to the Community of Milford. Bob Ford and Pete Bosheff have aided in the development of a grant which is ready for submission to the State of Michigan for funding opportunities. Currently, FoMSP efforts are targeted towards continued fund-raising and securing in-kind donations to ensure the proper basis for securing the grant funding needed. Skatepark volunteers will soon be hitting the streets and visiting your house in an effort to raise awarness and funds to accomplish their goals. A mere $50 per household will have our park built. You are encouraged to donate, contribute, comment, or participate in any capacity comfortable. The future of Milford's Skatepark starts at home.