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Noted Skater Jud Heald Brings It to the Skatepark at MYC March 2-5

Noted Skater Jud Heald Brings It to the Skatepark at MYC 

Skater to Visit Bath for New Build March 2-5 

ALSO: Arts Programs Kicks Into Gear: Gardening, Video Editing, Music-Making 

BATH—The new year at Midcoast Youth Center is starting off with a creative bang! As part of MYC’s commitment to keeping students focused on bright and healthy futures, the Bath nonprofit is investing in the skatepark at MYC — the largest indoor park in Maine — and offering a plethora of creative programming for students in the MYC Compass Afterschool Program. 

Adjacent to MYC headquarters, the skatepark offers not only skateboarding, BMX biking, scootering and inline skating for the kids who benefit from the many programs at MYC, but it is also a revenue generator. Classes for younger kids on Saturdays — “Half Pipes for Half Pints” — along with regular session fees for skaters offer a steady stream of revenue, critical to the many programs offered. 

Renowned skateboarder Jud Heald will bring his design and build expertise to MYC on March 2 - 5, to lead the charge on some exciting new changes to the skating area. The skatepark portion of MYC will be closed on those days, but journalists and photographers are welcome — with masks on, of course — by appointment. 

Jud grew up in Skowhegan, and became a professional skateboarder in 1998. He eventually started his own Christian skateboarding team called “Untitled,” and while he currently lives in Missouri, Judd travels all around the country to design and build ramps. He collaborates with many professional skateboarders such as Ryan Sheckler to be a positive influence on the lives of young skaters. 

“A few years back, Jud made the trip up to Maine to build our half-pipe, and we have heard overwhelmingly positive feedback from riders,” said MYC Youth Programs Coordinator Bobby Gray, a long-time skater himself. “He’s been building ramps for more than 20 years, and it shows. We could not be happier to have him!” 

Contact Bobby Gray at the skatepark if you’d like to visit and meet Jud for a story (info below). 

MYC is also pleased to announce that, as part of its 21^st Century Community Learning Center Program grant, Compass Afterschool students — currently with an enrollment of 37 BMS students, broken into cohorts and groups for Covid safety — will soon be offered an exciting range of workshops starting in March. Options include creating animal “enrichment toys” with help from the Midcoast Humane Society; video and digital music production; and gardening, supported by Skillins Greenhouses with donations of soil, seeds and supplies. 

“We will begin by growing seeds indoors, and eventually move them outdoors to the cement slab behind the center,” said Rose McDonnell, 21^st CCLCP Program Director. “It’s pretty great: Summer program kiddos will tend to the veggies and herbs that have been started by school year kiddos.” McDonnell notes that these programs fulfill various STEM, arts and community service requirements in the 21^st CCLC grant. 

CONTACT INFO FOR STORIES: 

Bobby Gray: (207) 443-8750 

Rose McDonnell: (207) 443-8750 

MYC WEB SITE: www.midcoastyouth.org (also on Facebook and Instagram) 

SKATEPARK INFO: www.midcoastyouth.org/bath-skatepark/ 

* * * 

Since established in 2016, MYC has become a thriving youth hub that serves 550+ youth and families a year, with a commitment to providing free programming that is inclusive for all, regardless of income. Our core team members are long-time community leaders with a wealth of knowledge and connections throughout our city, county, and state, who are committed to children’s emotional health as a priority for building on the future of our communities. MYC's mission is to empower Midcoast youth to be healthy, engaged, and resilient, by offering recreation, education & enrichment, leadership & life skills, referrals to mental health support & substance use treatment, and support to youth experiencing housing insecurity. Our vision is a suicide-free Midcoast community where the physical and emotional needs of youth are met through comprehensive programming and social services; where youth are inspired and equipped to realize the future they want.