Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Toles.
Hi Jonathan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Richardson Skatepark Advocates has come together very naturally and organically. The connections and relationships with the group have all grown out of an enthusiasm for skateboarding and all other wheeled riding. Skateboarding is what brought us together, but being open to listening and seeing value in a connected community is what has allowed RSA to grow so quickly.
What started out as two people working on the same idea independently and being brought together through social media has grown into a community of nearly 300 in less than three months. Four of those members have put together the board of directors to get Richardson Skatepark Advocates set up as a 501c3. Jonathan Toles is the founder/president/treasurer, Will Cortez is the vice president, Brian Forosisky is the secretary, Reid Robinson is the owner of Beyond the Bar in Richardson, and James Miller is a junior advisor.
A skatepark in Richardson is the goal, but community is the achievement. We are achieving this by having community outreach events, having volunteer opportunities, and getting people together to see the positive aspects of skateboarding.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Since our first event was on June 18 for Go Skate Day things have moved so quickly there haven’t been any noticeable obstacles yet. I’m sure once we get further along in the planning and getting beyond community outreach and into working with the city there will be a lot more push back. The great thing is that Mayor Amir Omar is completely on board with a skatepark. He has already identified a space that he would like to see a skatepark built. He has given us the challenge of finding out how much it’s going to cost and what sort of design would work in the space. So there’s a struggle: We need about $100K of concrete donated so that we can get a skatepark built.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Our board and community is what makes RSA great.
Will Cortez is an Olympic level skater, owns Cortez Skate Shop, gives lessons to kids and adults, and is one great dude. He has been willing to participate in our pop up skate shop events and also give free lessons.
Reid Robinson owns Beyond the Bar Alcohol Free Bottleshop, served on the board for the Dallas Arts District, is a fantastic musician and artist, and is also fighting to save Dallas City Hall. Reid is very well-connected with other musicians so he is able to elevate our events to have live music or dj’s and also provide delicious non-alcoholic beverages. He also opened up his business to a bunch of skater hooligans for the first RSA pop up skate shop.
Brian Forosisky is phenomenal graphic artist and a natural born leader. He was my son’s Cub Scout Den Leader for three years.
James Miller is a student at Richardson High School. He is very impressive in that he is very involved with community organizations already: Sits on the board for Bridge the Gap for Kids, volunteers at 4DWN for their food drives on Sundays, and shows up to all the RSA events.
Matt Peyton is a former board member of Richardson Bicycle Coaliton and was one of our earliest champions. He is the one that came up with the Ride With the Mayor on Go Skate Day. That is what set this all in motion.
IronMannIan is a local welder/artist that has provided skate rails and boxes for our pop up events.
Justin Lloyd is a great graphic artist and designer that has provided multiple sticker, flyer, and poster designs.
These are just a few of our great board and community members. We need more just like them, with the same enthusiasm and passion.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
We are just making this up as we go along. The main thing is to always be listening and open to all people and ideas. Let people help you when you fall down. Because just like skateboarding and in life you will fall down, but will you get back up?
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Personal photo was taken by Allison Parkyn.
