"Ramp it Up Lorain!" Initiative

Introducing the "Ramp it Up Lorain!" Initiative: A Skatepark Born from a Heartfelt Email

In 2021, Mayor Jack Bradley was touched by a heartfelt email sent by David Mihajlovich, a 13-year-old eighth-grader at St. Anthony School. David's message became the spark that ignited City Hall's interest in the skate park project.

Simultaneously, the City of Lorain's Public Property Department, including the Parks and Recreation Division, engaged in discussions about the concept of a local skatepark. One particularly exciting conversation included none other than Lorain native and pro skateboarder Chad Muska, whose storied career dates back to the 1990s.

With both of these innovative concepts gaining momentum within the corridors of City Hall, it was the Building, Housing, and Planning Department that eventually became the driving force behind the vision. This journey culminated in the organization of a significant "Community Forum" on October 14, 2021, aptly christened "Ramp It Up, Lorain!" This remarkable gathering was graced with a heartfelt address from Mayor Jack Bradley, valuable insights from The Stocker Foundation, deliberations about future development plans for the former Lorain Products Building, an interactive Q&A session with Chad Muska, and the introduction of vision boards aimed at propelling the vision forward.

The enthusiasm for this exciting project was palpable at a community gathering held at the Lorain Palace Theater. City officials and local skateboarding enthusiasts came together, initiating a dynamic creative process. "Ramp It Up Lorain!" drew a substantial crowd, with hundreds of attendees eager to contribute their ideas about the features they envisioned for Lorain's forthcoming skate park.

As the project continued to evolve, an unexpected twist emerged. The initial project site at 1122 F Street underwent a reevaluation, leading to the realization that it might not be the most optimal use of the location. Consequently, the skate park project has discovered a new home, situated approximately 2,500 feet away at Longfellow Park, situated at 1850 Cleveland Street, Lorain, OH 44052. This relocation opens the door to establishing a comprehensive facility catering to both skateboarding enthusiasts and families, enhancing accessibility and appeal for a broader community.

Longfellow Park, one of Lorain's 56 parks, predominantly features green spaces with open fields for recreational activities. While it offers ample room for outdoor fun, it has left residents desiring additional park programming and recreational outlets.

With this transition, the "Ramp it Up Lorain!" Initiative is set to transform Longfellow Park into a dynamic skateboarding destination, delivering both a safe space for skateboarding and a vibrant community hub. This exciting endeavor promises to enrich the recreational landscape in Lorain, serving residents of all ages and backgrounds.

Lately, the City of Lorain has teamed up with Spohn Ranch, Inc. to offer fresh insights into the skatepark's design and construction aspects.

Updates to the project will be posted on this page.