Directory Spotlight: Skatespace – Building Confidence and Community on Wheels

What is Skatespace?

Skatespace is more than a skate park — it’s a vision for community, creativity, and active youth engagement.
Located at 145 E Jewett Blvd. in White Salmon, this pocket-sized indoor facility hosts after-school programs, coaching, open skate sessions, camps, and events.

Founder Mike Parziale has poured his heart and soul into transforming the space with the help of local volunteers, donated materials, and community support. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the passion and purpose behind it — it’s a space built for the community, by the community.

After-School Skateboard Club

The 2025 Fall Skateboard Club runs for 13 weeks and is now open for registration. The program is designed with flexibility in mind — families can sign up for one or two days a week, or for the full session.

Skatespace offers after-school shuttle services from area elementary and middle schools in both Hood River and White Salmon, Monday through Friday — a total lifesaver for busy parents.

The club welcomes all ability levels, so whether your child is stepping on a board for the first time or working on kickflips, there’s room to grow. Each session includes warm-ups, fundamentals, trick practice, and open skate time with plenty of coaching and encouragement.

When the weather cooperates, the shuttle bus takes skaters to local outdoor parks like the Bingen Skatepark or the Green Ramp in Underwood, much like their popular summer skate camp series.

Back at Skatespace, they’ve recently expanded into two additional rooms that will soon feature arts and crafts, sticker-making, screen printing, fingerboard ramps, and more. This creative corner is still coming together, and suggestions from skaters and families are always welcome.

Beyond the Club

Skatespace’s impact stretches beyond its after-school sessions. Their summer skate camps have quickly become a local favorite, giving kids ages 8–15 the chance to tour and ride at various parks throughout the Gorge.

In addition to regular coaching and lessons, Skatespace plans to host clinics, birthday parties, open skate nights, and community events that bring skaters of all ages and backgrounds together.

Community & Impact

The value of Skatespace goes far beyond tricks and ramps. In a region where indoor recreation options are limited, it offers kids a safe, welcoming space to move, connect, and express themselves. Skating builds confidence, resilience, and creativity — and you can see that spirit in every corner of this place.

Like many grassroots community efforts, Skatespace also faces challenges: insurance, operating costs, and ongoing improvements all require steady funding. Thanks to community support, fundraising efforts, and a microloan from MCEDD, the dream continues to grow — but continued involvement from families, sponsors, and volunteers is key to keeping it rolling.

How You Can Engage

• Register for the Fall Skateboard Club at skatespace.com
• Volunteer or coach — help run sessions, mentor youth, or maintain the space
• Donate or sponsor — funds, materials, or services make a huge difference - Go Fund Me link
• Spread the word — visibility is vital for keeping this momentum going

Personal Thoughts

My son attended Skatespace’s summer camp and now participates in the after-school program — and the experience has been nothing but positive. He’s had a blast exploring different skate parks across the Gorge, from Bingen to Underwood, and the balance between learning and play is spot-on.

What I love most is how approachable it feels for total beginners while still offering challenges for more advanced riders. Some kids might be sliding down ramps on their bottoms while others are working on tricks — and everyone’s having fun.

He’s also loves the creative side of the program — sketching skateboard designs, making stickers, and fingerboarding. And from a parent’s perspective, the shuttle service from school is a total game changer.

Mike keeps the program affordable, engaging, and low-pressure, which makes it easy for kids to just show up and be themselves.

Don’t just take my word for it, though — listen to the local Gorge Youth groms who are stoked to have a place like this to call their own!

Final Thoughts

Skatespace is a reminder that the best community spaces come from shared vision, passion, and purpose. Even if you’re not a skater, it’s hard not to appreciate what’s happening here — a space where kids can learn, create, take risks, and build confidence.

For families across the Gorge, this is more than an after-school option — it’s a movement worth supporting.

👉 Learn more or register at skatespace.com