2005 - Community members form committee to develop a skate park in Mill City.

2008 - Fundraisers draw support from local residents and Canyon-at-large and City of Mill City manages funds.

2009 - Fundraisers continue as plans to locate skate venue at Kimmel Park begin.

2010 - Fire at City Hall abruptly ends skate park development.

2013 - Mill City Skatepark Project Committee forms. Fundraising efforts resume.

2014 - Non-profit organization Santiam Kids And Tourism Effort (SKATE) is registered as a legal entity on October 8.

2015 - Combined fundraising efforts amass $12,358.40. City Budgeted funds: $32,500.00; Total: $44,858.40 held in trust by City of Mill City.

2016 - Mill City Council approves lot site at SW 2nd Avenue and Cedar Street at April 12 meeting. Plans for skatepark surge forward.

2018 - The Mill City Planning Commission approves a Conceptual Site Plan for Skate Park effective July 21. 

November 2019 -Mill City Planning Commission reviewed and approved the final design plans for the skatepark.

2020 -Awaiting Council approval for Project Budget & Phase 1 a final site plan and construction plans to begin construction.

Melinda Flatman
Our Committee Chair and Skatepark Project President spends her free time volunteering with local organizations.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services/Management.

Sherri Gust -Cardwell
Our Vice-President and Skatepark Project Vice-Chair spends her free time volunteering with local organizations- writing grants and planning fundraising events.

Thorin Thacker
Board Member, Skatepark Project Committee Member and  the town's Mayor 2014-16. In his free time, he is also  an avid river rafter and member of several local organizations.

s.k.a.t.e. History

our team

Mike Hebing
Board Member, Skatepark Project Committee Member and resident Skater. He is a certified instructor instrumental in skate camps in Hawaii and demonstration events in the Santiam Canyon. 

Beverly Thacker


​Santiam Kids And Tourism Effort

Jo Ann Hebing
Our Committee and Skatepark Project Secretary/Treasurer spends her free time volunteering with local organizations serving youth and the community.