IRMO, S.C. — A group of advocates in Irmo have been pushing for a skate park in the Friarsgate neighborhood for several years.
They want it right next to the community garden and dog parks, where the old Dutch Fork tennis center was.
But they have to raise a good bit of money before that can become a reality.
Their goal tonight at a local fundraiser at Craft and Draft from 5 - 8 p.m. ET is upwards of $2,000.
"We've got 10-15 local artists that decided to donate their time and their talent by decorating some of these decks," Marie Ryan, fundraising coordinator said.
The idea is for this skate park to serve youth in the community, providing them with a space to have fun.
Ryan tells News 19 she's already partnered with ULSA, an after school program that could transport these kiddos.
"For financial reasons, or transportation barriers they are unable to play baseball or football. This is something they can participate in. They don't need mom and dad to take them back and forth. They can participate in this. We provide all youth in the area with a skateboard and helmet and pads so that everybody can participate," Ryan said.
If the town of Irmo approves a state parks and rec development grant next month at their council meeting, the town will be able to give this group $80,000 for the skate park, with a total fundraising goal of $300,000 to get the skate park construction up and running by fall.
This extra money tonight will help make their skating dreams closer to a reality.