It’s easy to take skateparks for granted, especially if you’re in a place where they’re readily available. But for many around the world, a dedicated space to skate is a dream. The non-profit organization, Make Life Skate Life, has been working tirelessly since 2013 to change this, bringing skateparks to underserved communities across the globe. From India to Iraq, their projects go beyond just building concrete; they are fostering community, connection, and the joy of skateboarding.
Founded by Arne Hillerns, Make Life Skate Life identifies areas with little to no skate infrastructure, secures funding, gathers volunteer builders from all corners of the world, and sources materials locally to create skateparks where they’re needed most. We spoke with Arne and two of his collaborators, Shane Carrick and Jerry Mraz, to get some insights into the challenges and triumphs of building skateparks in unconventional locations.
If you’re inspired by their work, you can support Make Life Skate Life and help them continue their global builds by clicking here.
Navigating the Chaos in Brazil (2019)
The skate scene in Brazil is thriving, but Make Life Skate Life’s project took them to a different part of the country: a favela.
“Skateboarding is already popular and developed in Brazil, but our build took place in a favela. They are kinda stuck in their favela world. It was really the sketchiest place I’ve ever been to. I was so surprised how many machine guns you see and how much everything is controlled by the mafia there. They have their own laws, like the wild west,” Arne explains.
Jerry adds, “Besides the shoot out on the first day and the shoot out on the last day, it wasn’t that bad. And during the shootouts, we just stayed inside mostly. There’s a kid, sometimes only 15 or so, with a walkie talkie and a machine gun on just about every corner inside the favela we were in.” He recalls an incident where a group of them were confronted by armed members of the mafia, emphasizing the constant tension and danger involved in the build.
Building Bridges in Iraq (2018/2019)
Shane offers a different perspective on Iraq, challenging common misconceptions: “Americans should consider that what they know about Iraq is most likely wrong. Iraq is a vibrant, rich, and safe place. The people are warm, the food is amazing, and now there is a skatepark.”
He further emphasizes that “our skateparks provide a common ground for people to come together from different backgrounds and become friends. That’s what’s important – not just the physical act of skateboarding.” He also gives a shoutout to the passionate local skate community led by Safin Muhammed, the dedicated skatepark manager.
Jerry highlights Arne’s pivotal role: “Arne, pronounced Arn nuh, is the man. He speaks like five languages fluently. He’s the mastermind…The logistics that he’s figured out on every one of these builds would have been a brain-bending nightmare if I had to do them.” He was also surprised by how quickly the local youth took to skating, emphasizing the positive impact of the park.
Igniting a Movement in India (2013)
Make Life Skate Life’s journey began in India, as Arne explains: “We met a group of local skaters in Bangalore while traveling in India. They told us that they had a piece of land where they wanted to build a skatepark but didn’t know how to build it. Back home, we got a sponsor on board, and a year later built the country’s first public skatepark.”
This initial project sparked a national skateboarding movement. “Building India’s first little public park kicked off this whole thing, not only for us but also for the Indian skaters. There now is a full-blown country-wide skate scene with dozens of parks where there were none before.” Although the original park was eventually destroyed, the experience empowered local skaters to build their own neighborhood skatepark and others throughout the country.
Overcoming Challenges in Jordan (2014)
The Jordan build presented unique challenges. “The build in Jordan, together with Bolivia, was definitely the most challenging one,” Arne recalls.
With a smaller, less experienced crew and limited funding, the project was a test of their determination. “It was probably the most DIY and the least world-class of all of our parks, but sometimes that’s all that’s needed,” he adds, emphasizing the importance of functionality over perfection. “It may not be the best quality but it’s being put to use like no other park and that for us is the most important thing.”
The Raving Energy of Bolivia (2014)
The build in Bolivia was a massive undertaking, bringing together over 100 builders. Jerry describes the atmosphere as a “rave build” due to the high energy and constant movement.
While the large group presented logistical challenges, like misplaced tools, the cultural exchange was invaluable. “People bring these little insights from the way they saw the geezers do something wherever they’re from on the other side of the planet. The energy exchange is what makes these things so special,” Jerry notes.
Arne adds, “For Bolivia, we had a pretty decent budget available and the first thing we did was booking flights for more than 40 DIY experienced skaters from all over the world so that they could join the build.” He explains that the logistical challenges were immense, but eventually they brought together a team of over 100 volunteers from 17 different countries, creating the largest gathering of skatepark builders ever.
Make Life Skate Life’s projects are more than just concrete and ramps. They represent a commitment to empowering communities through skateboarding, fostering connections, and creating opportunities for joy and growth. Their story serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the power of skateboarding to unite and transform lives across the globe.
Words by: Arne Hillerns, Shane Carrick, Jerry Mraz
Photos courtesy of Make Life Skate Life
