EAST STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It's the second year that skateboarding is being held in the Olympics and with the games bringing light to the sport, skateboarders in the Poconos are using it to their advantage.
A crack at a skatepark is not an ideal floor plan.
"This crack, it's just hard to go over," said skateboarder Tegan Pruettipun.
Along with broken and outdated obstacles, skateboarders at the Dansbury Skatepark in East Stroudsburg are prioritizing safety by raising money to make improvements to the park.
The push to revamp the Dansbury Skatepark has been going on for about a year, so 28/22 News decided to check in with the fundraiser's organizer.
Just down the street on Washington, you'll find Holy Stokes Skate Shop.
Owner Charlie Pruettipun has been spearheading the efforts for the project.
Missing pet snake found in Tunkhannock"It's been going slow and steady. It's about $550,000 for 12,000 square feet and we're pretty far off, but you know it'll get there eventually," Charlie said.
The new park would be all cement with brand-new ramps and rails.
"It lasts longer, it's a little bit safer, it's easier to maintain," Charlie continued.
Hosting events to continue to raise money, Charlie says it's all for the younger generation getting involved.
"It builds morale, it builds confidence, it builds lifetime friendships. It teaches kids that you know you have to work for what you want. You fall down, you get back up again," Charlie added.
The next line of pros like Estella Richardson, Tegan Pruettipun, and Reed, say they love everything about the sport.
"I get to be with my cousins and I get to be with other people that can help me with skateboarding," Richardson said.
"Be confident. Don't think that they can't do it," Tegan added.
To contribute to the fundraiser, you can stop by Holy Stokes shop or visit the Stroud Recreational website.
They tell us they hope to break ground by 2025, but it all depends on the success of the fundraiser.