Northeast Ohio’s only free indoor skatepark adds features to accommodate younger skaters.

After being closed for summer, First Glance’s Skatepark reopened this week with new ramps designed to accommodate younger skaters. Northeast Ohio’s only free indoor skatepark, First Glance’s skatepark is a safe place for any skaters age 11 and up to come skate Mondays and Tuesdays from 6-10 p.m.

“Our indoor skatepark and shop provides a place to connect with other skaters and build their skills and equipment,” First Glance Executive Director Jessica Swiger explained. “Adult volunteers are present to teach skating techniques and tricks and to provide encouragement for daily life.”

First Glance is a youth center that originally opened 22 years ago in the Kenmore Community Center and began hosting a wide variety of programming for students of all ages from all over Greater Akron. In 2007, First Glance moved into it’s current home near the corner of 13th Street at 943 Kenmore Blvd. The skatepark opened not long after.

In addition to the skatepark, First Glance is home to The Alley – a teen nightclub open the second Friday of every month from 7-10 p.m. that has a live DJ, dancing, food, fun, drinks, games, and more. The Alley was created as a drug and alcohol-free safe place for teens from all over Greater Akron to come on a Friday night. Teens must check in and an off-duty police officer is on site at The Alley.

First Glance also hosts Rec Night Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. Rec Night provides Junior High and High School students with a safe and fun environment to participate in sports and activities, such as four square, basketball, and video games with friends and volunteers. Rec Nights also provide an opportunity for students to connect with adult volunteers through conversations, activities, and competitions.

First Glance is always looking to recruit additional volunteers and welcome new students, and additional information about programming and volunteer opportunities can be found at firstglance.org.

For up to date info on the skatepark, follow @firstglanceskatepark on Instagram.