The next time you’re driving through West Augustine, don’t be surprised if you see people flying through the air. Brennan Gagnon, a local homeowner and teacher at R. J. Murray Middle School, is building an 11-foot-tall and 24-foot-wide vertical skate ramp in his backyard. Once completed, Datil Pepper Vert Ramp will be open to members of the community for free.

When Brennan closed on his first home this past year, he immediately knew it was the perfect opportunity to pursue his dream of providing a safe space for kids to come together and experience something new. 

“Vert skating offers a unique set of thrills that a lot of skateboarding doesn’t offer,” explained Gagnon. “Skateboarding, in general, offers two unique opportunities. Both the community and the people that you’re able to meet are incredibly special. I thought to myself, ‘If I’m ever able to become a homeowner, I would love to raise the money or save the money and build a vert ramp for kids to use, create friendships, develop confidence, and just really conquer something.’” 

As a youth worker and teacher in West Augustine, Brennan was aware of the need to create something special for kids in the community. Since they broke ground, the project has raised over $12,000 for material and labor, while additional funds for a staircase, ladders, fans, and lights are still needed. Upon completion of the ramp, other donations will go toward purchasing a set of ‘house gear’ to store on-site for kids who don’t have their own, including skateboards, helmets, and protective pads as well as providing kids with their own personal skate gear down the road.