The Carver Society Presents:

An All-Inclusive Indoor Action Sports Park providing creative space for year-round, all ages, wheeled-sports FUN!

The Mission

The mission is to create a safe, all-inclusive environment that promotes individual creativity, positive mental health, and social connection through wheeled-sports, and community engagement, in Akron. 

The Issue(s)

Our current and only free outdoor skatepark,  the Akron Skatepark, located at 990 Derby Downs Dr. Akron, OH 44306, was built more than 20 yrs ago for an estimated cost of $322,000, covers approximately 19,000 square feet, and serves roughly 190,000 Akron residents.

The 3 main issues are:

1. While free outdoor community spaces are much needed and appreciated, in this region they only get used 50% of the year (and, sometimes less!) due to poor weather conditions not favorable for outdoor activities - proving why we need indoor skateparks as well as outdoor spaces.
2. The nearest indoor skatepark is more than a 45-minute drive (Cleveland, Youngstown, Butler) which makes it hard, if not impossible, for many kids! [FirstGlance in the Kenmore community offers a small skate spot, however, it is limited to just a few hours/days per week, and only during the winter season, plus religious affiliation.]
3. The Akron Skatepark is located on airport property, and the city's lease on the land the skatepark is located will soon expire... and rumor has it, that the skatepark will be torn down and replaced with a blimp museum of sorts, leaving our wheeled-sports community with NO safe place to skate and ride...

The Proposal

The Carver Society proposes the establishment of Akron’s first all-inclusive indoor action sports park — 

a 30,000 sf year-round destination 

for wheeled-sports - skateboarding, scooters, rollerblading, quad skates, and BMX bicycles - for all ages and skill levels. 

Centrally located between Cleveland and Canton, the Akron facility will serve as both a local community recreation center as well as an economic driver - attracting visitors from around NE Ohio and beyond.

Facility Features

This facility should include, at minimum:

• Professionally designed and built flow park and street course.
• Mini half-pipe and bowl sections.
• On-site skate shop offering sales, service, rentals, and repairs.
• Mentorships, Coaching, camps, and after-school programs.
• Special Event hosting for competitions and cultural events.
• Community lounge and café area.
• Affordable Rates & Memberships.

Approximately 30,000 sq ft of space

Monthly rent is about $15,000/month

(Most warehouse space $5-6/sf avg.)

 Property Details >

Bonus: With The Ninja Hive also in 

the same building, it's like having an automatic referral business of 

families & kids, right next door!

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We created a survey to gather feedback from the community on how they would utilize an all-inclusive indoor skatepark facility in Akron... see the results below.

Youth & Family Impact

• Provides a safe, supervised alternative to unsanctioned outdoor skating
• Offers mentorship and skill-building programs
• Engages at-risk youth and promotes social inclusion

Economic Development

• Creates local job opportunities in retail, coaching, and management
• Brings new traffic to Akron and Arlington Rd businesses
• Stimulates local tourism and youth-driven commerce

Health & Wellness

• Promotes physical activity, balance, and endurance
• Encourages active lifestyle participation year-round
• Supports positive mental health through creative expression and social engagement. 

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Being modeled after other successful facilities such as Foodcourt Skatepark (Buffalo, NY) and Modern Skate & Surf (Royal Oak, MI), can help ensure its popularity and sustainability. 

Foodcourt Skatepark 

Buffalo, NY

Foodcourt Skatepark transformed an underutilized industrial space (est. 15,000 sq ft) inside a mall, into a thriving creative hub. It now hosts hundreds of riders weekly, local art shows, and youth workshops — generating consistent community engagement and increased economic activity. Watch Video >

Modern Skate & Surf 

Royal Oak, MI

One of the nation’s largest (est. 60,000 sq ft) and longest-running indoor parks, Modern Skate & Surf proves the long-term sustainability of an indoor action sports model. Over decades, it has created steady revenue through memberships, lessons, and events, while maintaining its status as a Midwest destination. Watch Video >

Akron Market Potential

Akron Population: 

Approximately 190,000 residents 

Youth Population (Under 18): 

Around 40,703 individuals, representing 21.5% of the total population 

Median Age: 36.5 years 

Median Household Income: Approximately $43,000 

Poverty Rate: 22.8% 

Active Wheeled-sports enthusiasts: ~14,000 (≈under-18: ~3,000) 

• Skateboarding: ~5,030 people in Akron (≈under-18: 1,100)
• Inline rollerblading: ~2,840 people in Akron (≈under-18: 620)
• Quad roller-skating: ~1,500 people in Akron (≈under-18: 330)
• BMX (all BMX riding): ~1,350 people in Akron (≈under-18: 295)
• Scooters (micro-mobility / kick & e-scooters): ~3,700 people in Akron (≈under-18: 810)

Given Akron's sizable youth demographic and the absence of 

a dedicated indoor skate facility, 

there is a clear need and opportunity 

to serve our local Akron community.

Estimated Startup Costs

Category & Estimated Cost

Facility Buildout $500,000

Leasehold Improvements $150,000

Equipment & Fixtures $75,000

Safety Equipment $25,000

Skate Shop Inventory $50,000

Marketing & Branding $25,000

Permits, Insurance, Legal $25,000

Staffing & Training $50,000

Total Est. Start Up Costs $900,000

Note: These figures are based on industry averages and may vary depending on specific local conditions.

Annual Revenue Projections

Revenue Streams & Annual Estimates

• Memberships $162,000 (300 members @ $45/month) 
• Daily Admissions $270,000 (50 riders/day @ $15)
• Lessons, Camps & Clinics $60,000
• Retail Sales - Shop/Merch $72,000
• Events & Sponsorships $72,000

Total Est. Revenue $636,000/yr

Note: These estimates are based on benchmarks from similar facilities.

5-Year Financial Outlook

Year / Revenue / Expenses / Net Profit

1  /  $636,000  /  $516,000  /  $120,000

2  /  $700,000  /  $540,000  /  $160,000

3  /  $760,000  /  $560,000  /  $200,000

4  /  $825,000  /  $585,000  /  $240,000

5  /  $900,000  /  $600,000  /  $300,000

Note: These projections assume steady growth and may be influenced by various factors including market demand, operational efficiency, and community engagement.

Community Impact

The proposed facility aims to provide a safe, inclusive space for both youth and adults, promoting physical activity, personal skill development, and increased community engagement. 

By offering programs such as after-school sessions, summer camps, and adaptive sports, the park can serve as a valuable resource for Akron's wheeled-sports community.

Why This Matters for the Community

Equity & Access

By being nonprofit and affordable, the park could make wheeled-sports accessible to a broader demographic — not just those who can travel to distant facilities or pay high prices.

Youth Development

The mentorship, coaching, and programs provide positive developmental opportunities, potentially reducing risky behavior and increasing youth engagement.

Economic Revitalization

Bringing a vibrant, active space to Akron can spur local commerce, provide jobs, and attract visitors.

Healthy Outcomes

Increased physical activity and social connection can improve both physical and mental health in the community.

Cultural Value

Unlike many commercial gyms, this would be a culture-centered space, strengthening the identity and cohesion of Akron’s action-sports community.

Funding Opportunities

City & State Grants for youth 

recreation and health initiatives

Private investors and sponsorships 

from local and national brands

Community donations and crowdfunding campaigns

Naming rights for park sections 

and other designated areas

Retail partnerships with local 

skate and apparel companies

Conclusion

The Akron Indoor Action Sports Park will be more than a skatepark — it will be a community-driven destination... promoting active lifestyles, community engagement, and economic vitality. 

By partnering with The Carver Society

and local supporters, the City of Akron can create a sustainable, high-impact project that invests directly in our city’s youth, culture, and future.  - "Thank You."