The History of National DIY Skatepark in Milwaukee, WI

National DIY is Milwaukee's community-built DIY skatepark. It's a grassroots project that transformed a neglected lot in the Walkers Point neighborhood into a thriving hub for skateboarders, artists, and neighbors of all backgrounds. What began as a labor of love among a tight-knit group of friends has grown into a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with city, county, and state support behind it.

From Neglected Lot to Community Landmark

DIY skateparks are a worldwide phenomenon, born from the belief that skaters don't need to wait for city permission or corporate funding to create the spaces they need. From Rome to Portland, self-built skateparks have revitalized vacant land and strengthened local communities. National DIY is Milwaukee's entry into that storied tradition and one of the most recognized examples of how a space like this can exist and thrive in the Midwest.

National DIY Skatepark began in May 2020, founded by Dylan Shanahan, Robby Pauly, John Cronin, Juan Camacho, and Nelson Torres. What started as a small grassroots effort quickly spread through the local skate scene. As momentum grew, experienced local builders and skaters including Jon Bartels, Mitch Schmidt, and Aaron Polansky joined the project, bringing structure, craftsmanship, and a clear vision to the space. The lot, known for prostitution, drug use, and encampments, was a sore spot for much of the surrounding community. The community rallied around the building of the DIY because it drove out these activities in the space.

Before long, the scale of the project caught the attention of the property owner, WisDOT. Rather than shutting it down, they offered a path forward: organize, get insured, and make it official. From there, the work shifted beyond the build. Dylan Shanahan began coordinating with community groups and local government, while Emmy Yates led the effort to establish a formal nonprofit. Neighbors and early advocates, including Stephanie Mercado and Barbara Maszk, joined the board of directors to help guide the organization’s growth. By 2023, National DIY Skatepark, Inc. was officially formed. Soon after, the organization secured a five-year lease for the space in partnership with WisDOT and Milwaukee County, solidifying the future of the park and the community built around it.

TID 85 Grant: City of Milwaukee Invests in National DIY

In May 2024, National DIY received a significant vote of confidence from the City of Milwaukee in the form of a TID 85 grant. Tax Increment District funding is typically reserved for projects that demonstrate measurable economic and community development impact, and National DIY qualified. The grant was used to make major improvements to the space, including lighting, fencing, and new skate obstacles. Expanding what's possible at the skatepark and deepening its impact on the surrounding Walkers Point community. This investment continues to serve the park today, standing as a strong example of what’s possible through collaboration between public agencies and nonprofit organizations.

Awards & Recognition

2025 Mayor's Design Award

Milwaukee's Mayor's Design Award celebrates projects that use design thinking to improve quality of life and strengthen neighborhoods. National DIY was recognized for its transformative impact on the Walkers Point neighborhood and its innovative, community-driven model.

2025 MANDI Award

The Milwaukee Award for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDI) honors organizations that are changing how Milwaukee grows from the ground up. National DIY's recognition reflects the real, measurable difference the skatepark has made in the daily life of the surrounding community.

Media

National DIY's story has attracted attention from leading Wisconsin media outlets, including Wisconsin Public Radio and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, both of which have covered the organization's origin, growth, and civic impact. That coverage has helped introduce new audiences to the skatepark and brought volunteers, donors, and partners into the fold.

Wisconsin Public Radio

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: National DIY Skatepark Feature

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: TID 85 Grant Coverage

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: New Milwaukee City Skatepark