ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Since opening about 18 months ago, the skatepark in Allentown’s Jordan Park has helped create a community that’s become more like a family, according to one local skater.
Julius DeJesus was one of about a dozen skateboarders and rollerbladers enjoying the park Wednesday just before Allentown City Council unanimously voted to spend $420,000 to finish its construction.
- Allentown City Council backed a $420,000 spending measure to expand the Jordan Park Skatepark
- The skatepark opened in November 2021 but could double in size after the second phase is completed
- State grants — and $10,000 from Tony Hawk’s nonprofit — have funded the skatepark
DeJesus said the "amazing" skatepark has brought together “a whole community of people” who didn’t previously know each other.
He highlighted skaters’ camaraderie, noting how many will give up their own gear to people trying to learn.
“We have kids that run around the parks, and they come in, and they want to learn how to skate,” DeJesus said Wednesday. “We become a family here. Everybody here knows each other.”
DeJesus was born in Allentown but recently moved to the Parkland School District. He said he regularly skates at Jordan Skatepark “because this is the place to be.”
He’s been skating only about a year after a friend encouraged him to get on his board.
“Now I can’t get enough of it,” he said.
More space to shred
The skatepark at Jordan Park is being built in two phases. The free concrete park opened in November 2021 with many skating features — including a bowl, quarterpipe, railings and more — built during the first phase.
We become a family here. Everybody here knows each other.
Julius DeJesus, skateboarder
Plans show the skatepark would about double in size after the second phase of construction.
Allentown City Council members in March accepted a $398,600 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to cover upcoming construction.
A DCNR grant also paid for the first phase of the Jordan Skatepark, along with a $10,000 grant from professional skateboarder Tony Hawk’s nonprofit, The Skatepark Project.
Council approved the $420,000 spending measure Wednesday without any discussion. Members considered the proposal for about three minutes in a committee meeting just before the full council meeting.
Phase-two construction is likely to take about six months, an official said, though it's unclear when it will begin.