About National DIY - Community Skatepark in Milwaukee, WI
National DIY is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that builds, maintains, and advocates for free community skateparks in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Through our partnerships with the State of Wisconsin and Milwaukee County, we steward the space located at 801 West National Avenue. Our volunteer-built skatepark provides a safe, accessible space for youth and adult skateboarders across the greater Milwaukee area. Through vibrant community partnership, National DIY stands as a symbol of community excellence.
Mission
Our mission is to encourage youth recreation, promote safe skating spaces, and build a stronger community through skateboarding.
Who We Are
National DIY is a Milwaukee-based non-profit skatepark organization run entirely by volunteers. Founded by local skateboarders committed to improving public recreation options in Milwaukee, the organization designs, funds, and constructs skateboarding infrastructure using donated materials, community labor, and charitable contributions.
As a federally recognized 501(c)(3) organization, all donations to National DIY are tax-deductible. Every dollar raised goes directly toward skatepark construction, maintenance, beautification, tools, and safety improvements at our Milwaukee location.
What Is a DIY Skatepark?
A DIY skatepark is a skateboarding facility built by community volunteers rather than contracted by a municipality. DIY skateparks are typically constructed using donated or self-funded concrete, rebar, and cinder block, and they feature terrain designed by the skaters who actually use the space. These parks are grassroots public recreation projects that fill gaps where city-funded skatepark infrastructure doesn’t exist.
National DIY’s skatepark in Milwaukee is one of the most well-known DIY skatepark projects in Wisconsin, attracting riders from across the Midwest.
Location
The location of our DIY skatepark is between streets 6th and 9th underneath I43 on National Ave. on the South side of the street.
Beneath the I-43 freeway overpass on National Avenue, between South 6th Street and South 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI.
The National DIY skatepark is located in what was an underutilized urban space beneath the I-43 overpass on Milwaukee's South Side. The overhead freeway structure provides partial shelter from weather, allowing for skating in light rain and shade during summer months.
Features include: concrete transitions and quarter pipes, street-style ledges and manual pads, a flat ground area for beginners, and obstacles suitable for all skill levels.
Hours: The skatepark is an open-access 24/7 outdoor space. Riders visit at their own discretion and skate at their own risk.
Cost: Free. National DIY never charges admission or membership fees.
If you’re searching for a free skatepark in Milwaukee, a youth-friendly skate spot on Milwaukee’s south side, or a community recreation space near downtown Milwaukee, National DIY is your destination.
Community Impact in Milwaukee
Since its founding, National DIY has served hundreds of Milwaukee-area skateboarders, organized dozens of volunteer build days, and transformed a neglected stretch of urban land into a vibrant community gathering space. The skatepark has become a landmark for Milwaukee's skateboarding scene and a model for successful DIY skatepark projects across the Midwest.
Our work supports broader community goals including youth engagement, public space revitalization, and volunteer-driven neighborhood improvement in Milwaukee, WI.
Want to read more on our history? Visit our History page to learn more!
How to Get Involved with National DIY
National DIY depends on volunteers and community support. Here's how you can help:
Volunteer: Sign up through our Volunteer Form.
Donate: Make a tax-deductible contribution to fund concrete, materials, and tools for upcoming builds. Consider donating to our specific programs on our Ways To Give page!
Spread the Word: Follow National DIY on Instagram and share our mission with your network.
Visit the Park: Come skate, admire the artwork, and see what a genuine grassroots project looks like.
Have questions about National DIY, our Milwaukee skatepark, or volunteer opportunities? Contact us — we’d love to hear from you.