Tucked at the corner of South 6th and Canal Streets, the Reading Skatepark has quickly become a new landmark for local skaters. Since its grand opening, the 22,000-square-foot park has been alive with the sound of wheels on concrete, fulfilling a vision years in the making. What began as an ambitious dream is now a thriving hub where passion, persistence, and community spirit meet.
At the heart of the movement was JD Turner, owner of Holistic Skate Shop in West Reading and president of the Reading Skatepark Association (RSA). A lifelong skateboarder who had spent years traveling far from home to find quality parks, Turner knew Berks County deserved better. “We all dreamed of this park, and I’m so happy that we got it done,” he said at the ribbon-cutting. “This park is going to impact future generations.”
Founded in 2016, the RSA brought together local volunteers determined to give the community a proper skatepark — one that was thoughtfully designed, free to use, and built to last.
Challenges on the Road to Opening Day
Getting there wasn’t easy. Initial plans fell through, funding gaps loomed large, and public skepticism had to be overcome. Turner and the RSA spent countless nights at borough meetings, hammering out site plans, rallying support, and refusing to give up even when progress seemed impossible. The project also had to navigate the practical hurdles of site selection and underground infrastructure, eventually landing on an empty lot once occupied by row homes.
“We told people this park was going to happen, and we delivered,” Turner said, a mix of relief and pride in his voice.
Building a Park for Everyone
Designed with input from local skaters and crafted by Seattle-based Grindline Skateparks with help from local engineering firm Spotts, Stevens, and McCoy, the Reading Skatepark offers something for everyone. Skateable stairs, ledges, rails, and a massive 10-foot vert bowl now stretch across the site, welcoming skateboarders, BMX riders, non-motorized scooters, and even adaptive athletes.
“This park is open to all,” said Reading Mayor Eddie Moran. “It is a place where everyone, regardless of age or ability, can come together, share space, and enjoy the thrill of skating.”
From Grassroots to Grand Opening
Financing the $2.3 million project took a patchwork of grants and public funding: $200,000 from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, $90,000 from the Department of Community and Economic Development, $200,000 in City ARPA funds, and $855,000 through the Capital Improvement Program. Layered atop these contributions were years of grassroots fundraising, spaghetti dinners, T-shirt sales, and old-fashioned community hustle.
More Than Just a Skatepark
The Reading Skatepark isn’t finished evolving. Plans are in motion to add shade structures, permanent fencing, lighting, and restroom facilities, ensuring that the space remains vibrant and accessible for years to come.
But even in its current form, the park is already fulfilling its promise. Young riders drop into bowls for the first time. Experienced skaters test their skills against the new rails and ledges. And across the smooth concrete, a new generation is finding both freedom and belonging.
The sound of wheels on concrete, the cheers of friends landing new tricks, and the bright energy of a shared space are now part of the city’s everyday soundtrack. The Reading Skatepark is no longer a dream—it’s a vibrant reality shaping the future, one ride at a time.
