CURRENT PROJECTS GOAL
BYEP Skatepark Replacement
For over a decade, the BYEP Skatepark served as far more than just a skate spot—it was a second home for Bozeman youth. Built in partnership with Big Sky Youth Empowerment (BYEP), this DIY park gave hundreds of teens a place to grow, express themselves, and find community. It was raw, creative, and deeply meaningful to those who used it.
In Spring 2025, the park was officially demolished. And just like that, a vital part of Bozeman’s skateboarding soul disappeared.
“It looks and feels like a public park, but unfortunately, it’s on private land. There are so many complications around that — with risk and liability and insurance — and really, that’s the heart of why we have to remove the skatepark,”
-Danica Jamison Executive Director of BYEP
Now, the Skateboarding Alliance of Montana (SAM) is stepping up. We’re launching a campaign to replace what was lost—and build something even better. At minimum, we aim to match BYEP’s original square footage, but our vision is bigger: a modern, inclusive skate space three times the size, designed to honor BYEP’s legacy and serve Bozeman’s rapidly growing skate community.
Right now, we’re:
-
Documenting BYEP’s legacy through interviews, archival footage, and community stories
-
Gathering feedback from skaters, teens, and mentors to guide design and location planning
-
Scouting new potential sites with city support and public input
-
Working with professional builders to envision a creative, welcoming new park
-
Aligning with local government and nonprofits to secure funding and long-term maintenance
-
Producing a video spotlight to build awareness and help drive donations
A detailed plan—including cost estimates, potential locations, and concept designs—will be released in the coming months.
This project isn’t just about concrete.
It’s about reclaiming a safe space, uplifting youth voices, and making sure Bozeman’s next generation has somewhere to land, grow, and thrive—just like they did at BYEP.
🔽⚠️ TEMPORARY CONCEPT - NOT FINAL DESIGN - LOCATION TBD ⚠️🔽
FUTURE PROJECTS
SHREDTEMBER
EVENT 2025
Our flagship fall contest is back and bigger than ever! Shredtember 2025 will once again take over Kirk Park with best trick jams, live music, food vendors, community booths, and rad prizes. This year, we’re fundraising for Kirk Park Phase 3 — come skate, spectate, and support the next evolution of Montana skateboarding.
1
2
BLANK SKATE
PROJECT 2025
Skate meets art in this annual event where artists, skaters, and musicians collaborate to raise funds for future skateparks and programs. Dozens of local artists customize blank decks for silent auction, bands perform live, and skaters compete in a best trick contest. Inspired by the original Blank Skate Project in Fargo — the brainchild of Tom Kemmer and the North Dakota Skateboarding Association — Montana’s version carries the same spirit of creative expression and community empowerment.
SAM SHRED
ACADAMY
Launching summer 2025, this program brings youth clinics and skate camps to parks across Montana. Whether it’s your first ollie or your hundredth kickflip, we’ll pair experienced instructors with kids of all levels. Scholarships available. Partnering with schools and cities to help the next generation shred with confidence.
VOLENTEER TO BE A SKATE COACH OR ORGANIZER HERE
3
4
SPOTLIGHT SERIES
A video interview series featuring the people who helped build Montana’s skate scene. Next up: JAY FROM WORLD BOARDS. From skate legends to shop owners, this doc-style series honors our roots while showcasing how far we’ve come. 2025 features Jay Moore (World Boards), Board of Missoula founders, and Nate from Cub Power.
5
SKATE-DOT
PROJECT
Montana's trails, public parks, and underused spaces get the SAM treatment. We’re working with artists and builders to install small, skateable sculptures across Bozeman, Livingston and beyond— from granite ledges to steel hips. Each dot is tied to a QR code with historical info, tricks, and artist shoutouts.
6
7
KIRK PARK
PHASE 3
Kirk Park is one of the most heavily used skateparks in Montana, and with Bozeman’s rapid growth, it’s clear: we need more skateable space. The Skateboarding Alliance of Montana (SAM) is currently gathering community feedback and working with city officials and skatepark designers to launch Phase 3 of the Kirk Park expansion. This next phase aims to meet the needs of a growing and diverse skate scene — from beginner-friendly terrain to unique features that push creative progression.
8
MASHIN' IN THE MOUNTAINS
Our first-ever live-streamed bowl contest is coming August 2026 to Kirk Park’s legendary bowl. Inspired by contests like Vert Attack, this pro-level jam invites top-tier talent from across the region. Expect big airs, hard slams, and high vibes. Local music, sponsors, and live broadcasting make this one unforgettable.
WINTER SKATE NIGHTS
Winter Skate Nights are a community-driven indoor skateboarding series designed to keep Montana’s skate scene active, inspired, and growing during the colder months. Hosted weekly from December through mid-February, these sessions are more than just a place to roll—they’re an experience: live music, rotating art stations, food, contests, and camaraderie. All proceeds support SAM’s ongoing mission to expand skateboarding access across the state.
PAST PROJECTS
SHREDTEMBER
Our flagship fall event held at Kirk Park in Bozeman. Shredtember brings the local skate community together for a day of best trick contests, live music, and local food. All proceeds support future SAM projects and park upgrades.
1
4
STORY MILL SESSIONS
During the long Montana winters, SAM partnered with Bozeman Parks & Rec to transform the indoor gym at Story Mill Community Center into a makeshift skatepark. With boxes, rails, and ramps set up inside a warm basketball court, this all-ages drop-in session became a favorite winter activity. We plan to bring it back in Winter 2025—bigger, better, and with contests, music, and more. Stay tuned.
WATCH RAD FLIP BACK TAIL
BY BOZEMAN LOCAL DURING
STORY MILL SESSIONS
7
BELLGRADE
SKATEPARK
SAM supported the development and launch of Belgrade’s skatepark, helping promote the opening and working with the community to increase access to skating in smaller towns. This park serves as a key location for events, future skatepark checkouts, and community clinics
CHECK OUT PHOTOS OF BELGRADE
ON NORTHWEST SKATER.
2
SKARTSHOW
Hosted at Low Brow Burgers, this art-meets-skate night featured custom skateboard art from tattoo artists and local creatives, plus a live jam session with drums, guitar, synth, and electric piano. With a raffle, music, and good vibes, SKARTSHOW raised funds for SAM’s youth programming and proved how powerful skateboarding, art, and music can be when combined.
5
SAM SPOTLIGHT
A mini-doc series highlighting Montana skate legends. The first episode featured Nate Howe of Cub Power Skateboards, sharing his love of skateboarding and the story of opening his shop in Butte. Upcoming episodes include interviews with Jay Moore of World Boards and the founder of Board of Missoula.
BYEP CAMP
Our Bozeman Skatepark summer camp taught new skaters the basics, helped build confidence, and emphasized community support on and off the board. Participants learned in small groups with experienced instructors, forming friendships and leveling up all week long.
3
6
MARCH FORWARD IG CONTEST
A digital statewide contest during March where Montana skaters submitted clips to win awards for Best Trick, Best Hippy Jump, Raddest Manual, Badassest Boneless, Most Flippy Flip Trick, Curb King, and many other silly challenges. We had 6 amazing sponsors and created a fun, crowd-cheering trophy edit for each winner. Entries were reposted and winners received their prizes in the mail. It was one of our most creative and inclusive events to date.