The Phase II Project
 History The Northfield Skatepark stands as a testament to the dedication and collaboration of the local skateboarding community. Discussions about a permanent skateboard park in Northfield began 18 years ago, in June 2006, when a group of local youth organized the Northfield Skateboard Coalition. The Coalition pitched their idea to the Northfield Parks and Recreation Board and began fundraising for a skatepark. Over the years, the project gained momentum with significant milestones:
In 2013, Old Memorial Park was chosen as the skatepark’s location; in 2014, a site to the west of the pool was finalized. Also in 2014, the City contracted with Pillar Design Studios for the skatepark’s design. Pillar's design is based closely on preliminary design work by Charley Markson and incorporates input from local skateboarders to ensure the facility meets the community's needs. This team effort resulted in a skatepark that not only gives skaters a space of their own but also showcases the dedication and resilience of the Northfield community. The City of Northfield planned the skatepark construction in two phases to “manage financial and logistical considerations effectively.” Phase 1 The Northfield Skatepark was officially opened on August 8, 2015. Phase two of the park was planned to be finished by 2020. Due to unforeseen circumstances with budget shortfalls and the Covid pandemic, phase two of the skatepark remains unfinished as of 2025. It’s Time to Complete the Northfield Skatepark Phase Two of the Northfield Skatepark has not been completed. While skaters initially celebrated the skatepark’s construction, years have passed since its original opening, and it is time to meet our goal of completion. Northside Boards, a skateboard shop in downtown Northfield, has stepped up to lead the effort to complete the skatepark project. In March of 2025, Northside partnered with fiscal agent Northfield Shares, a community foundation dedicated to supporting local nonprofits, to organize funds allocated to Phase Two. Recently, Northside hosted a successful pop-up skatepark fundraiser where donations were collected for the park fund. Northside has also applied for the Minnesota State Skatepark Grant, which could help cover a large portion of the costs to finish the skatepark. If approved, this grant would make the project much more affordable for the community, leading to a quicker completion. Skateboarding fosters creativity, discipline, and community engagement, and our city must uphold its commitment to investing in this space. Northfield prides itself on being a community that values inclusivity and public spaces—prioritizing this project aligns with those values and supports one of the most-used parks in town. Supporting our local skateboarding community is not just about providing a place to skate—it’s about fostering a space where youth and adults alike can gather and contribute positively to the fabric of our town. State of Minnesota awards $4 million in public skatepark grants, including to Northfield!
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