Make Life Skate Life – revitalising the first skatepark in La Marsa, Tunisia

02/11/2023

Make Life Skate Life are currently hard at work with Tunisia’s Giraffe Crew replacing the now-derelict first skatepark in La Marsa, Tunisia. They are looking to raise the funds to finish construction in the park as well as supply skateboarding equipment and keep up with skatepark maintenance once the build has finished. Read the press release below, check out some photos of the remnants of the old skatepark below and please donate here if you can.

You can read our 2021 tour article from a CHPO visit to Beirut to check out the then new Make Life Skate Life here.

Make Life Skate Life, an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting skateboarding and building skateparks in underserved communities, is thrilled to announce its latest project: the construction of a skatepark in La Marsa, Tunisia. This collaborative initiative with the Tunisian skate collective, Giraffe Crew, aims to revitalise the very first skatepark in the Maghreb, providing a safe and inclusive space for Tunisia’s growing skateboarding community. The original skatepark in La Marsa, constructed in 2006, has helped nurture Tunisia’s skate culture. However, the park has deteriorated over the past 17 years and is no longer safe for use. It’s time to breathe new life into this space and create a 950m² state-of-the-art skatepark that meets international standards. Despite the absence of proper skateboarding infrastructure, Tunisia’s skate culture continues to flourish. With over 300 active skateboarders in Tunis alone, including a burgeoning group of female skaters breaking down barriers, there is a strong demand for safe and accessible skateboarding facilities. The new skatepark in La Marsa seeks to fulfill this need by providing an inclusive space for skaters to express themselves and pursue their passion.

The La Marsa Skatepark Project goes beyond mere renovation. It aims to make skateboarding accessible to individuals who normally don’t have the opportunity to access it. To achieve this, the project will train and employ local skate coaches, including at least one female coach, to organise weekly loaner board sessions and skate classes. These initiatives will benefit 60 participants per week, fostering skill development and a supportive community. Upon completion, La Marsa Skatepark will be a world-class facility, meeting international standards and providing skaters with a space to explore their creativity and connect with like-minded individuals. The park will serve as a safe haven for the entire community, welcoming at least 200 people weekly. It will promote an active and healthy lifestyle while offering recreational opportunities and fostering social cohesion.

While Make Life Skate Life has secured funding commitments from private companies, the organisation still relies on the support of individuals and skateboarding enthusiasts worldwide to bring the La Marsa Skatepark Project to life. Make a donation to support this incredible effort at makelifeskatelife.org/tunisiaContributions will directly fund the construction, equipment, and maintenance of the skatepark. As a token of appreciation, Make Life Skate Life has prepared a limited edition gift package exclusively for donors, including stickers, t-shirts, skate decks, and other exciting gear. Join Make Life Skate Life and Giraffe Crew in empowering Tunisia’s skateboarding community! Your donation will have a lasting impact, creating a safe and inclusive space for skaters to thrive. Together, we can nurture talent, inspire future generations, and build a stronger skateboarding culture in Tunisia.