HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The second annual Skate & Paint event brought painters, skaters and families to the Hopkinsville Skatepark on Saturday.
The event, held in conjunction with the Month of the Military Child, was organized by the local nonprofit Dad’s House Inc. in partnership with the Southwestern Kentucky Military Affairs Committee and other local organizations. Activities included painting, skateboarding, bounce houses, and food vendors.
Shannon Lane, Southwestern Kentucky Military Affairs Director, said the event was created to give back to military-connected families while also encouraging community involvement. “This started off because this is the month of the military child, so we wanted to do something special,” Lane explained.
Lane said the idea for the event began last year through collaboration with a partner organization that wanted to make improvements to the skate park. After seeing graffiti throughout the area, organizers decided to turn the cleanup effort into a community-focused event.
“We put a base coat paint down to cover up all the graffiti, all the negativity, and then bring the kids back to help clean up their city,” Lane said. This allowed participants to take part in restoring the space while encouraging engagement in the community.
Lane explained that the event has continued to grow since its first year, and organizers are already planning ways to expand it next year, including the possibility of adding a competitive element.
Organizers are working with Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation officials and city leaders to make sure future events can be expanded safely while still keeping the space open and welcoming for participants.
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