About

MISSION STATEMENT

To promote the development and stewardship of safe, freely accessible public skateparks

EPSA HISTORY

In 2007, several El Paso skaters realized that more skater input was needed with our city's public skatepark system. We had 9 public skateparks, but only one "high quality" concrete facility. We also noticed repair issues popping up that needed to be addressed and monitored - who better to assist than the skaters who knew every inch of the place?

Paul Zimmerman, Gabe Lawler and Bill Robertson banded together to form a board of directors for the El paso Skatepark Association. The goal was to help connect the folks at City Hall with the folks actually riding public skateparks and the experts who design and build them. With 1 in 7 kids now riding skateboards, the demand for these facilities was growing and need to spend taxpayer money properly on public skateparks was critical.

In February 2008, EPSA was granted 501c3 non-profit status by the Internal Revenue Service - the importance was the ability to solicit donations to help our city build new public skateparks and maintain what we already had. We have helped the city request warranty service on modular ramp equipment and have recommended best methods for repair on concrete. A formal Park Partner Agreement was established in summer 2008.

Community outreach and partnerships have become vital to our success of our mission. Each year, EPSA brings the art and skateboard communities together for Deck Art Show fundraiser and have facilitated a 3,000 square foot bowl mural project at Carolina Skatepark to help deter offensive graffiti and tagging. In 2008-09, we consulted on the design/build for our community's second custom concrete facility at Westside Community Park.

 

Board of Directors

Paul Zimmerman   (aka Z-Man)
paul@elpasoskatepark.org                       

  • 43 years old
  • skateboarding since 1976
  • longtime KTSM-TV reporter / DFPS PIO
  • parent
 Paul Zimmerman (aka Z-man)

Bill Robertson (aka Dr. Skateboard)
bill@elpasoskatepark.org                

  • 46 years old
  • skateboarding since 1976
  • sponsored pro rider
  • Ph.D. / UTEP Education professor
 Bill Robertson (aka Dr. Skateboard)

Gabriel Lawler (aka Gabe)
gabe@elpasoskatepark.org                     

  • 31 years old
  • skateboarding since 1986
  • pro ramp designer/builder
  • EPCC kinesiology student
 Gabe Lawler (aka Gabe)