Last summer, we broke down the plans for the upcoming $3 million renovation to the Chattanooga Skate Park + one question remained: Where will folks be allowed to skate when the park is closed for construction?
Currently, the City of Chattanooga’s ordinance prohibits “skateboards and aggressive skates” on downtown streets and sidewalks.
Enter: Nick Moore, owner of Cassette Skate Shop in St. Elmo, and his plans for Pocket Plaza.
Moore, who has grown up in Chattanooga + got introduced in the local skating scene in 1996, said he got more involved when Brent Sanders — organizer behind the grassroots Chattanooga Skate Park Project — passed the torch to him after the movement disbanded.
He since has been working as the liaison between the community and the city to create the area’s first legal DIY skatepark at 3937 St. Elmo Ave.
Once built, Pocket Plaza will be open for at least a year through a lease drafted between the city + CARTA (who owns that lot). Moore will then have the opportunity to apply for another year (in six-month increments).
The project also includes funding for programming with spots like the Bethlehem Center and South Chattanooga Community Center to teach skate clinics + the hiring of a local artist for a mural to beautify the area.
Getting ramped up? You can donate toward the $10,000 goal by heading to the project’s website, where you can see the budget breakdown to know where funding will go. Or, donate directly at Cassette Skate Shop + through Venmo or Cashapp.
Your money will move fast — Moore said construction is projected to only take 2-3 days once funding is secured, with plans to be open by July.
Bonus: Join the community for a fundraiser raffle and auction event on Saturday, June 28, featuring locally made items.
