Transforming a parking lot into a skate park

The space has undergone quite a transformation since May 2020 when the skate park was started. What used to be a rundown parking lot is now a diverse forum for people to meet and connect with others, said Shanahan − who called it Milwaukee's first outdoor skate park. He recalls the original lot being popular for "drug use and prostitution," adding that it was also a homeless encampment. Despite the space being rough around the edges, Shanahan saw its potential and his team got to work. Since his team has revamped the place, all of the previous trouble has evaporated. Former solicitors have gone elsewhere, and he says the neighborhood is very grateful. "It's been a welcomed addition for the neighbors, because there was a lot of problems down here," adds Shanahan.

Ideal location underneath I-94

Situated beneath I-94, DIY National has become an integral part of the community. Being located underneath a bridge is ideal for many weather conditions, according to Shanahan. "It's shade in the summer, and in the rain you can skate," he said. "It's got a lot of built-in amenities that keeps outdoor skating possible, where you don't have to pay a fortune for that. A lot of the more famous DIYS, in the United States especially, are under new freeways," said Shanahan. These aspects were influential in selecting the location. In fact, Shanahan saw the potential because the structure of the space shared a likeness with other famous DIY skateparks. Inspiration for the skate park came to him during the Covid-19 pandemic, where he credits time being the biggest resource. Many people were especially willing to donate during this difficult period; in fact, the vast majority of what is inside the park is from community donations. "I thought this was a crazy idea, but I never thought it would actually happen. The right people just came together. ...It's almost like it was meant to be," says Shanahan.