By Shore Local News
Skate AC celebrated the grand reopening of Sovereign Avenue Skatepark, known locally as “Back Sov,” on Saturday, Oct. 10. An estimated 250 to 300 people attended the six-hour festival, which featured skateboarding, live music, food, contests, giveaways and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The event marked a milestone for Skate AC, an Atlantic City-based nonprofit whose roots trace to the Sovereign Avenue location. The organization has expanded its mission to build skateparks, create opportunities for young people and strengthen communities through skateboarding.
The park began as a grassroots, do-it-yourself skate spot built by local skateboarders using cinderblocks and homemade obstacles. It later gained support from the city and developed into an established public skatepark.
Last year, the park sustained structural damage during a nearby bulkhead reconstruction project. Water infiltrated the ground beneath the skatepark, causing sections of the surface to collapse and splitting the park in half.
Skate AC worked with the city and the park’s architects during the restoration. The redesigned park features a bright blue surface reflecting Atlantic City’s coastal identity and skateboarding’s origins in surfing. A wave-inspired design was also incorporated into a corner of the park’s bowl.
“Skateboarding was born from surfing, and we’re living on an island surrounded by water,” said Jason Klotz, founder and executive director of Skate AC. “We wanted the park to reflect that connection. The bright blue represents the ocean, our coastal community and the history of the sport.”
Klotz said the reopening carried special meaning because Sovereign Avenue is where Skate AC began.
“To see it brought back to life and filled with hundreds of people is incredibly meaningful,” he said.
The reopening received support from Authentic Brands Group and several internationally recognized skateboarding and lifestyle brands, including DC Shoes, Element, RVCA, Volcom, Quiksilver and Roxy. Organizers estimated that $10,000 to $15,000 in merchandise was distributed to local children, skateboarders and families.
Dozens of complete Element skateboards were given to young people, including children receiving their first boards. DC Shoes provided more than 30 pairs of shoes, while RVCA, Quiksilver and Volcom supplied clothing and accessories.
“We wanted every kid to feel like a winner, regardless of their skill level or background,” Klotz said. “Thanks to our sponsors, we were able to make that happen.”
Volcom supplied custom pizza boxes bearing the message “Let the kids ride free.” The boxes were used to serve pizza provided by Atlantic City’s Tony Boloney’s.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony included Atlantic City Councilwoman Maria Laca, Klotz and local children. Skateboarders of all ages demonstrated their skills across the park’s restored obstacles, while organized contests offered opportunities to compete for prizes.
DJ Frequency provided music throughout the afternoon. Performers included Ladonna Marie, an 8-year-old musician and skateboarder from Uptown Atlantic City, and Poolscum, a young rock band from Linwood whose members are also skateboarders.
Additional supporters included Thrasher Magazine, Supreme, Heritage Surf and Sport, Bones Bearings, AC Heals, Jakks Pacific, Atlantic City Recreation and other community partners.
For Skate AC, the reopening represented a full-circle moment. The organization now provides free youth programming, mentorship, arts and educational opportunities while advocating for safe, inclusive recreational spaces.
Skate AC is also pursuing future skatepark development opportunities in Egg Harbor City; Pleasantville; and Hollywood, Florida.
“What started with a couple of cinderblocks on Sovereign Avenue has turned into something much bigger than any of us imagined,” Klotz said. “We’ve gone from building DIY obstacles to working with cities, major brands and community partners to create real opportunities for kids. And we’re just getting started.”
For more information about Skate AC, visit skateac.org.
Photos by Matt Crowne.
