When local skateboard resident Zaydin Dudra passed away in a tragic vehicle accident, Zaydin’s mother gave a compelling speech about Zaydin and his love for skateboarding.  Taylorville did not have a skateboard park and Dudra wouldn’t get to witness the completed project, but the message hit home for Evan Mitchell.  He wanted a skateboard park too.  In fact, Mitchell has wanted a skateboard park since he was a teenager. 

Well, the dream is slowly getting there. Phase 1 of the Zaydin Dudra Memorial Skateboard Park is complete.  The first part of the park includes an obstacle bank-to-wall that looks like a skateboard sticking out of the ground.  This is mostly for beginner and intermediate skill levels.  There is a grind rail shaped like a coffin for intermediate to expert level, and a grind box, shaped like the Simpson’s couch for all levels.  Mitchell says that there is something for everyone. 

The work isn’t done yet.  Mitchell would like to see more, but this is a donations-based project and the group is kind of stuck.  The board gave a 50x100 feet space, but only poured concrete for 50x50.  The skateboard committee is expecting two large quarter pipes from Effingham Park District by April of 2025. 

Evan Mitchell said the Skateboard Committee appreciated all the donations and thanked Eric Bruder, Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry, Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler, Park District President Marlane Miller and the rest of the board, former recreational director Bailey Hancock, and current recreational director Jessica Franks and the many volunteers.  He also thanked Austin Moore, Jeremy Gordon, Brad Bedinger, and ABC Supply. For more information, and how you can help, visit the Park district website. You can also call the Park office or Jessica Franks.  

Taylorville Skateboard Park is located at 1700 W Vandeveer Street at the Don Bragg Sports Complex.