About Siding 45 Skatepark
Siding 45 is a 501(c)3 nonprofit in Glasgow, Montana that supports creative expression
through recreation and the arts in Glasgow, Montana.
We aim to raise awareness of the benefits of a life “on wheels,”
actively promoting skateboarding by hosting events and providing wheels to local youth.
Since 2022, Siding 45 has been fundraising for a skatepark. In October of 2024, that dream became a reality!
Where is the skatepark?
The skatepark is located on the south end of Hoyt Park, near Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital and the city pool, at 323 3rd St S, Glasgow, MT 59230 .
What’s it like?
The skatepark was designed and built by Evergreen Skateparks. The 5,500 square feet of concrete are in a circular design with a green space in the center.
Who paid for it, and who owns it?
The skatepark is owned by the City of Glasgow. It was donated by Siding 45 through funds raised in the community and donations from Montana Pool Service and Montana Skatepark Association. Zero taxpayer money was used to pay for the skatepark. Insurance did not go up and the little maintenance that skateparks require will be split 50/50 by the city and the nonprofit.
What’s next?
Thanks to the huge amount of support from local businesses in the form of in-kind donations, the skatepark came in UNDER BUDGET. This means we have a jump start on fundraising for a bathroom and can supply amenities such as benches, picnic tables, and more. We also intend to donate gear to kids in need, partially supported by a small skate shop.
We’re also excited about possibilities beyond the skatepark. We would love to spearhead an effort to build a trail system throughout the Honda Hills, develop walking paths, and even a pump track or bike skills course.
Evergreen Skateparks’ Final Design
of Siding 45 Skatepark
Why are skateparks important?
Skateparks build and sustain healthy communities. A skatepark is a community amenity that will improve retention for professionals while also attracting young families and tourism.
They are also a physical and mental health service. While Glasgow has many organized sports, we do not have accessible outdoor recreation, such as paved trails, bike infrastructure or consistent sidewalks. Skateboarding, roller skating and riding a scooter are all cardio workouts that also build strength and coordination.
In addition, Montana ranks #3 in the country for suicide rates, with an especially high youth suicide rate. Skatepark activities are mentally engaging and stress relieving, while teaching patience and resilience. A skatepark provides a sense of shared responsibility, building community involvement and can provide a “home away from home,” especially for marginalized and underprivileged youth, or for those who do not gravitate toward organized sports.
Do kids even skateboard anymore?
The short answer is YES. Even though there isn’t really anywhere to skate in Glasgow, we’ve met some awesome kids who love skateboarding and are super excited about building a new park. In addition, skateboarding (and riding a scooter, and rollerskating, AND rollerblading …) are all on the rise across the country! Comparable skateparks in other small towns are very popular.
Isn’t skateboarding dangerous?
In actuality, it is statistically less dangerous than basketball. A typical person using a skateboard, scooter, or roller skates will not be going very fast or have very far to fall. When talking to Malta about their skatepark, which was built in 2014 and is slightly smaller than the one we are hoping to build, they told me they haven’t had to file any insurance claims due to injury at the skatepark. Of course, injuries happen in any sport, but part of our effort as an organization is to provide education about safe and responsible practices.