Olliewood Action Sports expansion could bring national competitions to Dubuque

DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) – The city of Dubuque could host national action sports competitions after an eastern Iowa skatepark updates its facility.

Olliewood Action Sports is investing $150,000 in their indoor skatepark. Aided by a $45,000 grant from the Dubuque Racing Association, the expansion project will replace aging equipment and add new features, including an area for spectators.

“Aspects of our set up are five, six years old and they need to be updated,” said Olliewood Action Sports Executive Director Jason Henkel. “As the youth around the area has increased in skill level and increased in numbers, our facility has not grown.”

When the upgrades finish, the facility will qualify to host national competitions for skateboarding, BMX, mountain biking, and scooters.

“It’s a multi-million-dollar industry that we don’t have a home for here in Dubuque,” Henkel explained. “We have great local skate parks that cater to our local citizens, but when you can bring the outside-our-region elements in, then our local kids get to see what’s possible.”

The skatepark is currently split into two areas, catering to beginners and advanced athletes. Olliewood’s plan connects the areas and adds more extreme features.

Henkel estimates the expansion project will finish this fall.

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