ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – An Ashwaubenon skate park is now officially open for business. Green Bay Action Sports Organization, or GBASO, moved into its new location on Holmgren Way.
It’s been a year of ups and downs for GBASO.
In April of 2022, the organization was forced to leave the building it had leased on Ashland Avenue for over eight years. After that period of uncertainty, a new era is underway.
“We were very fearful of are we going to lose these youth, are we going to lose these kids?” said GBASO Executive Director Shane Stout.
“Then in all that, it was really a blessing in disguise to now be able to turn around and have one of the largest skate parks in the Midwest.”
It took over 14 months for GBASO to open up in their new home. Officials said it wouldn’t have been possible without fundraising efforts from the community.
“They’re just not giving us money,” Stout said. “Everything went back into this community. Everything is for the youth of these kids. The programing that we provide, the leadership and development.”
Stout said donations and the hard work of the staff made the project come together quickly. The new park is 6,000 square feet bigger than the old one, and many see it as a significant upgrade.
“I used to go a lot,” skater Parker Schenin said. “This one’s way bigger, and it’s a lot better.”
While GBASO was in the process of finding a permanent site, frequent visitors like Schenin had to find alternatives.
“I was upset because I had to go to a different skate park that I don’t really like, and I hated it.”
Thursday’s ribbon cutting means it’s officially time for skaters to catch up on lost time.
“Every day I’m going to try to be — because I’m really far behind from all the time I’ve been off,” Schenin said.
Which is exactly what the GBASO team had in mind while tirelessly looking for a new home.
“To see the smiles of the youth of this community has all been worth it — just those smiles alone,” Stout said.
Stout said GBASO has already looked at ways to expand with similar projects for other communities.
The indoor action sports complex will allow for skateboarding, scootering, BMX biking and in-line skating. The non-profit organization is continuing to accept new volunteers and donations.
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