May 24, 2022 - by Tori Davis,

Experience Ruston (Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau) is excited to announce its support of the Ruston Skatepark through a $100,000 grant that will be awarded to the Friends of Ruston Skatepark.

Friends of Ruston Skatepark's mission is to help provide a concrete skatepark and public art experience in the former municipal pool in Ruston, LA. Their vision is to create a safe, creative, art-centered park that improves the community and empowers youth. They aim to serve individuals who might not participate in traditional group sports, as well as enhance quality of life for the public through a space that values creativity, public art, and self-expression.

“Our organization is thrilled to be able to make this investment in our community,” said Amanda Carrier, Ruston Lincoln CVB President/CEO. “After meeting with the Friends of Ruston Skatepark team and hearing about their plans and vision for the park, our entire board of directors felt strongly that this was not only a wonderful addition to our community, but also a unique experience for visitors.”

The support given to the Friends of Ruston Skatepark is the first of several grants the CVB plans to award over the next two years with the goal of funding various community projects that impact the tourism economy of Ruston & Lincoln Parish.

“We are delighted to receive such wonderful support from Experience Ruston for Ruston Skatepark. This grant puts us closer to our goal of providing kids a safe place to skate,” said Joey Slaughter, Executive Director of Friends of Ruston Skatepark.

“The Friends of Ruston Skatepark has done a phenomenal job of fundraising for this project. It’s been incredible to watch them bring our community together in support,” said Carrier. “The CVB is honored to have the opportunity to help get the skatepark to their fundraising goal and make this long-held dream a reality.”