SIOUX FALLS, SD (Dakota News Now) – A few weeks ago, one of the largest skate parks in the country opened in Sioux Falls.

And now skateboarding is an Olympic sport.

Photojournalist Sam Tastad spoke to professionals, officials and visitors to the new park about how the sport has positively impacted their lives.

“One of the skaters came up to the designer and said, ‘Thanks for being back.’ I remember when we went through the design of this park in 2018,” said Allison Dvorak, president of Let’s Skate.

“Skateboarding keeps kids out of trouble. It gives them something to focus on,” said professional skateboarder Eli Williams.

“These kids need a place to go. What can we do to make this a really special skate park? As a professional skateboarder who grew up in the ’90s, I know what it feels like to not have a place to skate and express yourself,” said Canten Russell, designer of the Barb Iverson Skate Plaza.

“I feel like this park has something for everyone. I think it helps the kids get moving, and I think it’s good for your mental health to clear your head, go to the park and be free,” said Jamie Reyes, professional skateboarder.

“The impact of accessible, free skateparks in the community goes far beyond the skateable footprint you see behind us,” said Everett Tate, director of community partnership with Newline Skateparks.

“We learned what happens when a skate park is built. How do people use that as an outlet? And I think mental health plays a big part because we really want people to come here when they need to let out some energy or feel support,” Russell said.

“I used to vape, but I don’t anymore. People prefer to come here, skate and stay healthy,” said Samantha Sullivan, a local skater.

“Skate culture is about what it means to be accepted and to feel like you’re part of something; how to form a community when people don’t always feel like they have one; how to practice courage and become independent,” says Erika Iverson, from Barb Iverson’s family.

“I’m a blind skateboarder. I love coming to skate park openings,” says Daniel Mancina, professional skateboarder.

“I have struggled with mental health issues and substance abuse myself and had a really hard time trusting anyone to get help. With new skate parks opening all over the world, I’ve always wanted to start a discussion about the importance of community and resources for people and families struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse,” said Brandon Turner, professional skateboarder.

“Not only are people finding a place to find their friends and interests, explore the world and be self-sufficient and find an accessible form of recreation, but they’re also learning skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives – things like resilience, trying new things over and over again to get it right. There’s a lot to learn at the skate park,” Tate said.

“If you have a skateboard, you will always have a friend, because if you don’t fit in and you start skating, people will come to you,” Turner said.

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