About Us
The Bemidji Youth Advisory Council and the Bemidji Skate and Bike Association have partnered with Evergreen House to build a “free-to-use”, community skate and bike plaza in Bemidji, MN.
We are looking for donations from you for this project. Your donation is tax-deductible, and copy of our fiscal agent’s 501(c)(3) letter is available if needed. The skate plaza will be included in the redesign of Bemidji City Park scheduled for the summer of 2010.
In the early 1990’s, our city banned skateboarding, in-line skating, and BMX riding in the city limits with no designated alternative. For over 15 years, kids have been ticketed by police for skateboarding and rollerblading on public and private spaces, and having their equipment confiscated. To remedy this situation, the Bemidji Youth Advisory Council has made the construction of a skate and bike plaza a major goal for this year.
We collected over 170 supportive comments on our website, directly identified 700 potential users, and found 85% of students in the school district are in favor of this park.
The total cost of this professionally designed, concrete plaza is $450,000. The Bemidji Parks and Trails Commission allocated $150,000 plus land and upkeep duties. We received $100,000 from the George W. Nielson Foundation, and another $25,000 from the Tony Hawk Foundation (one of three in the country). As of today, we still need another $150,000 to meet our construction fund goal.
We made a lot of progress in the last 18 months, and your contribution will keep the wheels rolling! We will be soliciting bids from designers late this spring (2009), and hiring a professional, nationally recognized designer to work with us starting this summer.
A donation receipt will be mailed to you for your tax records. We will list each donor of $200 or more on an appreciation plaque at the park. Your donation, however big or small, will definitely help!
Who We Are
Bemidji kids looking for a safe place to skate and hangout.
Our Organization's Mission
To build a free-to-use concrete skatepark in Bemidji, MN.
Who We Serve
Generally we are serving the residents and tourists to Bemidji, MN. More specifically, youth ages 5-25 years old, and a large share of Native Americans from the three nearby researvations (Red Lake, White Earth, and Leech Lake).
Our Programs
We help other organziations with volunteers, but mostly are working to raise money for the park.
Upcoming Events
- May 23rd Benefit Show, local rock bands
- Fourth of July parade
- Skate competition this summer
Leadership Profile
Nate Dorr, Project Lead, Volunteer
Bemidji Skate and Bike Association
Cove Fylpaa, Student Representative
Bemidji Youth Advisory Commission
Board of Directors
Evergreen Board Members include:
Bob Enger (Chair), Mary Auger, Vicki Ross-Rhoades, Shannon Avery, Tim Favor, Drew Hildenbrand, Katherine Houchins, Gerald Johnson, Tonya, Marden, Dave Moffett, Bob Tell
Board of Advisors
Cove Fylpaa, Bemidji Youth Advisory Commission Rep
Chris Hudson, Bemidji Skate & Bike President
Drew Stevens, Bemidji Skate & Bike Vice President
Cammie Vogel, Parent Volunteer
Matt Hanson, Youth Street Outreach, Evergreen House
Major Supporters and Sponsors
City of Bemidji ($150,000), George W. Nielson Foundation ($100,000), Tony Hawk Foundation ($25,000), Youth Venture Burton Snowboards ($1,000), plus local businesses
| Year Founded : |
1990 |
| 501(c)(3) Ruling Year : |
2008 |
| Volunteers : |
12 |
| Amount Spent Fundraising : |
$300 |
What Sets Us Apart
We are a youth led effort using all volunteers. We are also part of the the National Youth Venture program.
Objectives for This Fiscal Year
Raise $120,000 to $150,000 to complete our fundraising for this project by 2010.
Recent Accomplishments
$25,000 from Tony Hawk Foundation
$100,000 Neilson Foundation
A "Future Home of Bemidji Skatepark" will be put in the ground as soon as this May.
