Nonprofit Spotlight: SkateparkPV

Editor's note: This is the first article in a new series spotlighting the various nonprofit and community organizations around the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

SkateparkPV, the focus of this week's nonprofit spotlight, is an organization founded in 2009 and dedicated to opening a skatepark on the Peninsula, according to its mission statement.

Founder and president Ellen November recently answered a few questions about the organization's activities.

Palos Verdes Patch: What is the main purpose of this organization?

Ellen November: Our mission statement is: Provide a safe and welcoming environment for skateboarding on the Peninsula, where skaters can recreate and practice their sport.

Patch: Does your organization host any big or important events?

November: We have in the past and plan to in the future.

Patch: So far, what has been the defining moment of SkateparkPV?

November: Our defining moment was when the Rolling Hills Estates City Council agreed to allocate land at Ernie Howlett Park for a skate plaza.

Patch: If someone gave SkateparkPV $1 million with no strings attached, what would it be used for?

November: With $1 million we would build a stellar community skate plaza and park where skaters and families would gather. When not being skated on, the park would serve as a place for concerts, outdoor movies, BBQs and a multitude of events.

Skatepark PV will be joining with A.skate Foundation to host clinics for autistic kids to have an opportunity to skate one on one with older skaters so they can enjoy the sport while socializing. The park will benefit the health and wellness of the entire community.

Patch: What makes the Palos Verdes Peninsula special?

November: The unique geography is what makes PVP special. Due to its extreme hilly terrain, finding a safe place to skateboard is very challenging. Having a designed skate park will keep kids safe and out of harm's way.

Patch: Is there anything else you would like to tell us about SkateparkPV?

November: There are over 2,000 skateboarders on the Hill, and no skate park.

There are 50 basketball courts.

Over 80 tennis courts.

Three swimming pools.

Many soccer, football and baseball fields.

An ice rink, horse arenas, beaches to surf at, volleyball courts.

And no skate park.

The community can do better by its youth by providing a public skate park.

For more information on SkateparkPV, visit skateparkpv.org.