This park has a potential downtown location. Now it needs a mandate. Signing this shows our city — and donors — that Winston-Salem needs this. 

Generations of riders built something real here — in the streets, on private property, in the pages of skate magazines. A culture that never needed permission. A community that found itself without any help from anyone.

It just never had a proper home. That changes now.

SkateWS Foundation is a local nonprofit building a free, privately-funded, public multi-use park in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem. No entry fees. No memberships. No barriers. Open to everyone, sunrise to sunset, every single day. This isn't charity. It's recognition that's long overdue.

This is not just a skatepark.
Let's be clear about what Hiwatt actually is. Yes, it has a destination-driven skate plaza. But Hiwatt is a full public park — designed from the ground up to serve every person in this community, regardless of age, background, or whether they've ever touched a skateboard.

A children's playground — a real one. Purpose-built for the kids of this neighborhood and every family that passes through downtown. A place where parents can bring their children knowing there is something here specifically for them. Not an afterthought. Not a bench and a swing set. A destination.

A walking trail — connecting the full length of the corridor from Seventh to Eighth. Somewhere to move. Somewhere to breathe. Somewhere that feels like it belongs to the people who live here.

A skate plaza and pump track — built for the generations of Winston-Salem riders who built a nationally recognized scene with nothing but concrete and determination. Long overdue. Finally here.

One corridor. Four zones. Every age. Every reason to show up.

*The southern portion of the site (#3) — is owned by Duke Energy. SkateWS Foundation will pursue a partnership with Duke Energy to develop this unused parcel as part of the larger Hiwatt Skatepark project. This section of the plan is subject to that agreement.

We're asking one simple question:
Do you support this?

Sign your name if you believe this is a good amenity addition to downtown. Sign if you've ever pushed a stroller through downtown looking for somewhere to take your kids. Sign if you've watched young people skate parking lots and curbs because there was nowhere else to go. Sign if you want a walking trail that connects this neighborhood. Sign if you want downtown Winston-Salem to finally have something built for the people who actually live here.

Every name on this list is a statement.
To every sponsor, every donor, every foundation considering investing in this city — this is what the community looks like. These are your neighbors. These are the families, the parents, the kids, the riders, the walkers, the people this park is for.

Our core mission is the kids who need it most.
Hiwatt is designed to actively reach the underserved youth of Winston. Not passively open to them — built for them. Kids who've been skating without a space, without resources, without recognition. Children whose families need a safe, free, beautiful place to spend time together downtown.

This park doesn't just give them somewhere to go. It gives them somewhere that was built specifically for them. Free forever. No tryouts. No uniforms. You show up, you belong.

We're Not Alone In This.
Many of Winston-Salem's most respected entities support the idea. Twelve years of conversation. One unanimous answer.

Your turn.
Show sponsors. Show donors. Show anyone who needs convincing — Winston-Salem showed up for this. The scene has always been here. The families have always been here. The kids have always been here. Now it's time to build the park they can call home.

Follow us for updates @skatehiwatt
Online: skatehiwatt.org
Inquiries: ride@skatehiwatt.org

 SkateWS Foundation is a program of Colab, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. EIN: 45-3563025