Sk8 HAVEN indoor Skate and Community Space

The Sk8 HAVEN Story: Why We Need an Indoor Skate & Community Space Now

In Long Beach, skateboarding is more than a sport — it’s a lifeline. It’s freedom, self-expression, and community. But for children on the Autism Spectrum, it can also be a rare safe place to learn, grow, and belong.

At Sk8 HAVEN, we’ve seen it firsthand. Every week, kids show up to our outdoor ASD-friendly skate sessions — sometimes nervous, sometimes nonverbal — and within minutes, the sound of wheels on pavement drowns out their worries. They smile, they try new tricks, they make friends.

But there’s a problem.

Outdoor sessions are limited by weather, daylight, and accessibility. On hot summer days, the pavement is too dangerous. In winter, early sunsets cut lessons short or can be rained out. And public skateparks can be overwhelming — with loud crowds, unpredictable movement, and no sensory-friendly spaces to regroup.

We need an indoor facility — a place that’s safe, climate-controlled, and fully designed for children with autism and their families. A place with:

• Adaptive skate ramps built for all skill levels.

• A sensory lounge for moments when a child needs quiet.

• One-on-one coaching zones for personalized learning.

• Community spaces where parents can connect, support each other, and build friendships of their own.

This space isn’t just about skateboarding. It’s about creating a year-round home for inclusion, empowerment, and joy — where kids who often feel “different” can feel truly seen and celebrated.

Why We’re Fundraising Now

We have an opportunity right now to secure a location in Long Beach — a rare chance to lease a facility big enough to host both skating and community programs, and to build it exactly the way our kids need.

But the window is short. If we don’t raise the funds now, we risk losing location and opportunity for our neurodivergent kids.

That’s why we’re launching our $500,000 fundraising campaign — to open our doors and operate for the first year, giving hundreds of kids with autism and a multitude of disabilities (and their families) a safe place to skate, learn, and connect.

Every contribution — whether $50 or $50,000 — brings us closer to making this dream a reality. Together, we can create the first indoor autism-friendly skatepark in Long Beach, and set the standard for inclusive skateboarding everywhere.

The need is real. The time is now. Let’s build this HAVEN, together.