Skateboarding isn’t just about perfecting tricks or mastering half-pipes. For a lot of kids in Bakersfield, it’s where they find confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging. The Bakersfield Skateboard Foundation is here to make sure they have the spaces, support, and opportunities to thrive, both on their boards and beyond them.

Our programs give young skaters more than just a place to ride. They gain mentors, creative outlets, and experiences that leave a lasting impact on who they are and who they can become.

Learning Life Skills at First Friday Community Skate Events

Every first Friday, Bakersfield’s streets come alive. Portable ramps, rails, and obstacles transform the city into a skatepark, with music filling the air and street artists working on murals in the background. For kids, it’s more than just an event. It’s where they test their limits, learn resilience, and connect with others who share their passion.

Some kids show up for the first time, shy and unsure. But by the end of the night, they’re cheering on friends and landing tricks they never thought they could pull off. The scraped knees and the occasional fall are all part of the experience. They leave knowing they’ve gained more than just skate skills—they’ve built confidence and friendships that matter.

Turning Passion into Art

Not every skater expresses themselves through tricks. Some channel their creativity into art. Through the Artist Commissioning Program, local skaters get the chance to create original paintings of Bakersfield’s most iconic skate spots. For many, it’s the first time they see their passion for skating and art come together in such a meaningful way.

Their work doesn’t just sit on a wall. It’s displayed at exhibitions and turned into merchandise, showing them that their creativity has value. The sales support both the foundation and the artists, creating a cycle of growth and opportunity. It’s not just about making art—it’s about showing these young people that their vision can make a difference.

Learning from Local Legends

There’s something special about learning directly from those who have been in your shoes. Our Local Legend Deck Series doesn’t just honor Bakersfield’s skate icons—it brings them back to mentor the next generation. These pros and local legends often show up to events, offering tips, encouragement, and advice that go beyond skateboarding.

When a kid struggling with a trick gets pointers from someone they’ve looked up to, it’s more than just technical advice. It’s a reminder that hard work pays off and that they belong in this community. The mentorship these young skaters receive often carries over into other areas of their lives, from school to personal challenges.

The Future Hub of Youth Development

The Crystal Palace of Skateboarding is going to be more than a museum. It will be the heart of our foundation and a hub for youth programs, art workshops, and community gatherings. Skaters will have a place to learn about the history of their sport while creating their own path forward.

Picture a young skater walking into the building for the first time, seeing decks painted by local legends on the walls and video footage of past First Friday events playing on the screens. They realize they’re part of something bigger, something with roots and a future they can help shape. That’s the vision behind the Crystal Palace.

You Make This Possible

Every donation, every volunteer, and every person who shares our story helps us provide programs that change lives. When you support us, you’re not just funding skateparks or art supplies. You’re giving kids a place where they can grow, find their voice, and discover new possibilities.

If you’ve ever seen the look on a kid’s face after landing a trick they’ve been working on for weeks or watched them proudly display their first art piece at an exhibition, you know what this support means. Join us, and together, we’ll keep creating spaces where youth can thrive.