Maglaj Skate Park
Maglaj Skatepark became a Professionals International project partner in December 2021 to bring more awareness and raise funds. Maglaj Skatepark continues to make a difference in their region and local communities. The project finished with Professionals International in June 2024 as it finished up its agreement.
Significant Challenge/s
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a region of Europe who has seen its share of conflict and control from other countries over the centuries. Even though it has solidified itself since 1995, it has been seen as a fragile, highly decentralized, and ethnically divided country. Half the population lives in urban areas and lives with a low quality of life from repetitive war torn infrastructures since WWII.
Access to health care and proper levels of service are inequitable even in the city. Those in rural areas are even more vulnerable. Winters there can be quite cold and combined with a lack of indoor recreational activity infrastructures, the health and well-being of an aging community is limited to summer soccer play and hiking.
Although many young people enjoy soccer (football), sports are not immune from being ethnically divisive. A neutral recreational activity is needed to not only provide exercising movement but to bring neighborhoods closer together.
Satisfying Solution
A multi-phase study funded by the Tony Hawk Foundation and conducted by researchers from the University of Southern California’s (USC) Pullias Center for Higher Education and Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism shares that “Skateboarding, widely popular and often misunderstood, occupies a unique space in society. General aerobic exercise has been shown as an effective treatment for medical (e.g., diabetes, low back pain) and psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression). Capitalizing on these principles of exercise therapy, skateboarding is used formally and informally by individuals, groups, and organizations for physical, mental, and socio-cultural healing.”
Maglaj SkatePark exists to serve and empower the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. They completed the construction of an outdoor concrete skate park which continues to provide skate classes and camps. The skate park continues to provide a safe recreational area for youth and families; and gives teens and families a sense of ownership and pride for their community. They also completed the facilitating of a 9-part mural in the center of town along with a mural in the children’s wing of the pediatric department of the Health Center in Maglaj. These mural projects served to build community pride and showcased works of art.
Business activities geared Towards Good Health and Well-Being and Sustainable Cities and Communities:
Target: Promote access to safe recreational activities and exercise zones, primarily for children and teens. (written for PRINT, under Target 3.8)
Target: Promote universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children. (adapted from Target 11.7)
“Measured By” Outcomes
Dec 2021 - June 2024
Amount of Grant Given
“What Does Your Donation Go Towards?”
Stories of Substantial Benefits
While the world was reeling from COVID in particular during 2020-21, talks were underway to put together a plan for an outdoor concrete skatepark in the city of Maglaj. Prior to this one, there were only 2 skateparks in the country of 3.5 million people.
The project leader connected with city municipalities, local builders, architects, and non-profit organizations to cast the vision for what could be a great centralized locale for unifying recreational activities. People were very excited about it but eventually became skeptical as months had passed since an article in the local newspaper ran the story and construction had not even started 18 months later.
In early 2022, after the local municipality donated a piece of land, approved the plans, and covered all the fees to get the project going, construction was underway during the summer and fall. Construction was completed in Oct 2022 and they celebrated with a Grand Opening on Nov 12, 2022. The skatepark itself features a variety of concrete ramps, rails, and other obstacles designed to welcome skaters of various skill levels. The response to the skatepark has been overwhelmingly positive, with skaters of all ages and abilities coming out to enjoy the facility. It had quickly become a hub of activity, attracting both local and visiting skateboarders and helping to build a sense of community within the skateboarding scene.
Winter quickly settled in after its Grand Opening and people eagerly waited for warmer weather to return in order to use the only concrete skatepark in the country. In the summer of 2023, they ran a skate camp. They had four "classes" a day with about 12-15 kids in each class. They also had a Family Night Free skate that was very well attended and then a huge Skate Competition with skaters from other cities. The skate competition had about 200 people in attendance. This brought increased revenue to the city.
During that same summer of 2023, they were able to complete the mural project both at a local park and the center of town. It brought together 4 artists and 30 students working together to prime the walls, trace the design, and paint the final image. It was a gratifying experience and brought excitement to the city. They finished their project agreement with another mural project in the children’s wing of the local hospital. It was a way to bring extra smiles to a place of healing and well-being.
Maglaj Skatepark became a Professionals International project partner in December 2021 to bring more awareness and raise funds. Maglaj Skatepark continues to make a difference in their region and local communities. The project finished with Professionals International in June 2024 as it finished up its agreement.
