It’s not every day that a professor is seen doing a kickflip, or a grandma cruises by on roller skates.
But that’s the norm a half mile north of Illinois State’s campus at Fairview Park in Normal, where skaters of all generations and skill levels gather for art and connection during Skate Park Saturdays.
Organized by the Bloomington-Normal Hub of Illinois Humanities Envisioning Justice, Skate Park Saturdays started in spring 2026, held on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free events feature art, entertainment, snacks, and resources from local nonprofits.
Through a grant from Illinois State University’s Center for Civic Engagement, the program was extended to continue September 5 and September 19.
Sophomore exercise science major Isabel Vaca has been skateboarding for about two years. She heard about the program and was eager to attend to keep her skating skills sharp in college.
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“What I enjoy most is how it brings the community together, and seeing even younger kids learning how to skate,” Vaca said. “I think it’s important to foster community through these multigenerational hobbies because not only does it keep the sport alive, but it brings all different kinds of people together because of the love they share for the sport.”
Dr. Kaitlyn Selman, assistant professor of criminal justice sciences, is a council member for the local branch of Illinois Humanities Envisioning Justice, a statewide nonprofit that offers free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities with the goal to foster connections and strengthen civic engagement in Illinois.
“We focus on how to leverage the arts and humanities here in Bloomington-Normal to create change and offer support to people,” Selman said. “We talk in my classes about how we can prevent harm and keep people safe without having to rely on prisons and police. One of the ways we can do that is focus on the idea that healing is crime prevention, wellness is crime prevention, having community spaces is crime prevention.”
A recent craft prompted visitors to design “wanted” posters. Rather than feature an alleged criminal, the posters identified “wants” of the community and the reward that could follow—like bigger gardens leading to more butterflies.
Bloomington skate shop Crib to Crib Skateboarding Co. is a major partner of the program, and the Champaign-Urbana initiative No Board Left Behind has attended to repair skateboards and provide used gear to local skaters in need.
In addition to participation from community organizations like Project Oz, Illinois Art Station, and public libraries, Illinois State groups like University Galleries and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies have partnered with the program through Selman’s facilitation.
Doctoral student Megan Patterson, M.S. ’22, is a clinical assistant professor and internship coordinator for the Department of Criminal Justice Sciences. She said Skate Park Saturdays have strengthened student networking with local organizations, leading to unique internship opportunities.
By having programs like Skate Park Saturday, mental health and belongingness improve, reducing the likelihood of crime and violence.
—Megan Patterson, M.S. ’22
“It’s a perfect example of criminal justice sciences in action,” Patterson said. “It provides a safe and inclusive environment where people can come and just exist with one another. By having programs like Skate Park Saturday, mental health and belongingness improve, reducing the likelihood of crime and violence.”
Selman said the program highlights the power of providing a third space—or a social environment separate from the home or workplace.
“I hope people take from this that we can create these spaces; they don’t have to be given to us,” she said.
