FLINT. MI -- Nailing your first trick -- or your hundredth -- doesn't get old for skateboarders. But it can be difficult for young beginners to learn safely when the equipment is worn or filled with holes.



Flint's skate park celebrates its tenth birthday this summer. The park opened to much excitement in 2008, with used equipment from Grand Blanc's park providing area kids with an outlet to express themselves.



But ten years comes with wear and tear.

Daniel Wilson, 38, has skated at the park off and on since its opening at the city's Swartz Creek Golf Course on Hammerberg Road, just off Interstate 69. Recently, Wilson returned to the park after living in the Upper Peninsula. The condition of the park shocked him.

When not in use, the park could easily be mistaken for abandoned. There are cracks in the concrete, faded graffiti on worn equipment and dilapidated bleachers where skaters take a break.

"No kids were skateboarding, and I was getting frustrated," Wilson said.

The park is frequented by advanced skaters. The kids with transportation go out to skate at the park in Clio. But for those who do not, the Flint skate park is the only park accessible by bus.



To Wilson, Flint kids need the skate park. On a whim, he decided that he was going to put time, and hopefully money, into the park by starting a GoFundMe campaign.



"I was just like, 'I'm going to do it,'" Wilson said. "We're going to get it done."



Though the skate park is city property, Wilson says the park has never received any upkeep.



"It's never been kept up. The only people that pick up around here are the skateboarders or some of the parents that come out here. They never take care of the grass. The only people that mow the grass are from the (Swartz Creek) golf course," Wilson said.



Because of the lack of maintenance, much of the skate equipment has been pieced together by the community, said Wilson.



"Locals put their own time and money into this stuff," Wilson said. "Not the city."



The city of Flint receives parks millage funds that go toward mowing, utilities and upkeep of community facilities, which the skate park does not fall under, said Kevin Schronce, the city's lead planner.

Schronce was made aware of Wilson's campaign not too long after other community members approached him about potential changes to the park.



"The city has no intention of putting money into the park," Shronce said. "I think our ultimate goal would be to look for a more permanent fixture, I think there's interest in that, not only from [Wilson] but from others in the community."



Schronce sees the need for a new park and said that internal discussions have taken place over the last two months. There's been a dialogue about moving the park to a more permanent location, where more youth live, with lasting equipment that is safe for skaters.



"That's not safe. I don't think anyone's arguing that. Ultimately, I think what we would like to see is to work with not only the skaters but with others in the community who have expressed interest in finding a permanent location that's more accessible," Schronce said.



For now, Wilson and his dedicated friends have been left with the task, beginning work on the mini-ramp and overgrown shrubbery on Tuesday, July 24. The weather alternated between hot sun, overcast cool and sprinkling rain. Still, they were armed with tools and got to work, supported by their fundraising campaign.



Even with what seems to be lessened use, Wilson believes without a doubt the Flint skate park is the most used park in the city. He hopes that even more young skaters come out to the park.



"It's very difficult. Once kids do something very difficult -- trying a trick over and over and finally getting it. It makes them do that in life once they move away from here. They all move, but it gets them out of the mindset that this is it, that this is the only place on the planet," Wilson said.



Wilson is hoping to have repairs at the skate park done in the next few weeks. To support the efforts of Wilson and the other volunteers, donate here.



