PROGRESS: BCSA working toward modern, inclusive skatepark

It’s been a whirlwind four years since the Boundary County Skatepark Alliance came together to make the dream of a modern, inclusive skatepark a reality for Bonners Ferry. 

What started as a social media post and a handful of hopeful skaters has grown into a dedicated community movement — one fueled by passion, teamwork, and a shared vision for safe, healthy recreation for all.

The roots of BCSA go back to 2015, when community member and Parks & Rec board member Pam Smith Copeland first put out a call for interest in a new skatepark. Back then, no committee formed and the idea had to be tabled — but Pam’s persistence never faded.

Fast forward seven years: in April 2022, Nancy Schaffer, then sports director for Boundary County Parks and Recreation, reached out to local skaters and circulated a flier to gauge new interest. The response was overwhelming. Less than a month later, a small but determined group of volunteers held the first public meeting on May 13, 2022, and by the end of June — National Go Skateboarding Day — our newly named Boundary County Skatepark Alliance hosted its very first community skating event.

From that point, momentum built quickly. We held a logo contest, marched in the county fair parade, and were honored with a surprise fundraiser from the local Eagles Auxiliary, raising our first major community contribution of $1,385. By the end of the year, BCSA had hosted three public events and raised $4,105.52 toward our initial $10,000 goal.

With only a handful of volunteers — all working day jobs — our success showed one clear truth: this community is ready for a skatepark.

BCSA began the next year with even more energy. In May, we organized a rummage sale and skate clinic, teaching skatepark etiquette and fundamentals. June brought our second Go Skateboarding Day celebration, complete with music, family activities, and skating for all ages.

September’s highlight was a benefit concert by Spool Effect, where Yousta of CDA donated a skateboard for raffle. We ended the year with another successful community raffle offering an Airbnb stay or a scenic flight over Boundary County.

By the close of 2023, in just 18 months, we had raised $7,200 — well on our way to funding an official park design to support future grant applications.

February 2024 marked a major milestone: we received a design quote from Dreamland Skateparks, one of the best in the business. Although costs had risen to $17,000, signing the contract in March locked in our design price and kept the project moving forward.

Throughout the year, BCSA hosted cleanup days, ramp repairs, and music-filled events. In June, skaters, BMX riders, and community members joined Dreamland in a design input session to ensure our park reflects our town and our people.

The Panhandle Invasion Skate Tour selected Bonners Ferry as one of its stops in July — a thrilling day of professional skating and learning for local youth. The same month, our online auction drew incredible support, and our county fair booth in August featured a raffle and a first look at the skatepark’s draft design. By October, after final community input, our park design was officially complete.

This year, our Go Skate Day celebration in June brought out great crowds, live music, contests, prizes, and plenty of good vibes. At the fair in August, we proudly displayed our design journey — from first build in the 90’s to the final renderings — alongside another community raffle.

With four years of effort behind us, we’ve now raised $15,800, putting us just $1,200 shy of our $17,000 design goal. Reaching this milestone will officially complete our design funding and open the door to grant writing and construction fundraising.

We may have slowed our pace briefly this past year, but our spirits are high and our coalition is strong. This summer, we’re planning public events with skating, music, and food to celebrate how far we’ve come — and to cross that final fundraising finish line.

The dream is within reach: a safe, all-wheel, well-lighted community skatepark that welcomes everyone.

From the core leadership team — Pam Copeland, Sarah Skinner, and Jeff Phillips — and every volunteer, skater, sponsor, and supporter, thank you for believing in this project. Your energy has built more than ramps and rails — it’s built community. 

Follow our progress and event updates on Facebook at Boundary County Skatepark Alliance. This is the summer we make it happen.