EPIC Skatepark of Rocklin, a treasured indoor skate facility since 2009 and one-time cover subject for SportStars, is in danger of having to cease business.
EPIC Indoor Skatepark, which has welcomed skateboarders and scooter riders to the 365,000 square foot facility in Rocklin since 2009, may have to close its doors permanently at the start of November. At the very least, owner Jan Killingsworth will have to relocate the park, which will force the park’s patrons to find other avenues to ride, practice, and spend time with friends.
Killingsworth accepted a 30-day notice to vacate by the landlord to make room for a new tenant, and is hopeful of reopening EPIC in a building less than one mile from the current location.
“We are very much hoping not to close,” Killingsworth said. “The other building will actually give us better space, but we need plans drawn up and a number of other things to happen. The City (of Rocklin) is sympathetic and will try to work with us, but they can’t change the codes and process. It’s going to take some time.”
It will take more than just time, though, to relocate the skatepark and give patrons a place to ride, especially when the weather gets colder and wetter in the near future. EPIC is the only completely enclosed skatepark in Northern California, and one of a few nationwide. The next nearest indoor facility similar to EPIC is in Simi Valley in Southern California.
[RELATED: Jim McCue’s Sac-Joaquin Issue #44 Cover Story on EPIC]
EPIC hosts competitions for scooter riders and skateboarders, and allows for drop-in entrance throughout the year for scooters, skateboards, and even BMX bikes for special events. Killingsworth estimates that more than 500 unique visitors us the facility on a weekly basis, with many of those users spending time at the park multiple times during a given week.
A recent scooter competition attracted more than 75 kids and 41 professional riders from all over the country. EPIC holds multiple competitions for scoters and skateboards throughout the year that brings in riders from all over Northern California, the state, and parts of Nevada.
In order to move the park to the proposed new location, Killingsworth is in need of more than just time. EPIC will need money to pay for the cost of moving the ramps and other equipment, and to get the park operating again.
Killingsworth is seeking pledges from people in the community and throughout Northern California and beyond to help pay for the equipment and labor necessary to properly relocate ramps, bowls, rails, and other fixtures.
EPIC is setting a deadline of Nov. 1 to assess how many pledges they receive and to determine if they can continue to offer riders a place to enjoy their hobby, exercise, and in some cases profession. Killingsworth said that if she does not have $100,000 pledged by the deadline that she will likely have no choice but to abandon the ramps and the business.
Killingsworth has reached out to riders, vendors, and the community, and is open to offering advertising and other perks to large donors. Vendors or other businesses can get signage in the new facility or even secure naming rights for ramps, rails, areas, and more in the new location.
“I am open to offering signage for a year or more, naming ramps, offering family passes or business passes for free sessions, you name it,” Killingsworth said. “I will listen to anything, and would even consider selling the operation as a whole if that meant that it did not have to close for good.”
Business and individuals interested in making pledges and discussing marketing deals can contact Jan Killingsworth using the information below.
EPIC Indoor Skate
Contact information
(916) 408-4200 – ask for Jan or Chris
info@epicindoorskate.com
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