GREENFIELD — Ice Cream Alley on Main Street is serving up more than just sundaes this summer. The shop is also giving away skateboards to youngsters in need.
The skateboards are part of an ongoing project that Ice Cream Alley has been working on since 2023, following the opening of the Greenfield Skate Park. Co-owner Bryan Dolan said he wants to ensure that every kid who wants to try skateboarding and use the new park can do so, regardless of their financial means.
“It seemed like a pretty low bar for us to get equipment. … We just thought this is a barrier we could overcome,” he said. “We wanted to make sure everyone has the chance to choose something positive and try skating. I think it can have a real impact on low-income kids.”
Dolan said children from low-income families don’t always have the same opportunities as other kids, or have the money to purchase a skateboard, which can cost about $150. To ensure everyone can give skating a try, Ice Cream Alley spent $500 on skateboards, supplemented by several thousand dollars donated by community members.
Over the past few years, Dolan said Ice Cream Alley has given away more than 30 skateboards, thanks to Theory Skateshop, which gave them a discount, allowing Ice Cream Alley to stretch the dollars further and purchase more.
“Theory Skateshop gave us a terrific deal,” Dolan said. “They’ve come through for us every single time.”
Dolan, a skateboarder himself, said he’s seen firsthand how positive and supportive the skating community is and how it can boost kids’ confidence, while keeping them active and out of trouble.
“When you’re at the skate park, you’re a skater, and any other background or cultural identity doesn’t matter,” Dolan said. “That’s a wonderful thing.”
Dolan said that after Ice Cream Alley gave out all the skateboards it had in 2023, he bought more to keep the program going, and it’s become a continuous cycle of buying skateboards, giving them away and buying more.
“Hopefully, everyone who wants one gets one. Even if we’re out, we’ll put their name on a wait list,” Dolan said. “Whenever we run out, we start again. We’re gauging the need based on how many skateboards we’re giving out.”
Ice Cream Alley currently has seven skateboards to give away, and those who are interested can contact the store at hello@icecreamalley.com.
In previous years, the shop has solicited community donations to support the project. This year, however, Dolan said the business is funding the program itself, but he appreciates community members continuing to spread the word so that more young people can find out about the available skateboards.
