Church skate park draws teens

"That Jesus would be the main thing in the hearts of skaters."

This mission of Josh Benfield, associate pastor of student ministries at Denver Baptist Church, is most evident in the colorful graffiti of Bible verses that covers the 13,000-square-foot warehouse walls of the church's skate park, The Hangar.

Across the street from the church, the park contains more than 30 ramps for scooters, skateboards and bikes.

According to Benfield, who has been with the church since May and oversees skate park operations, plans are in the works for revamping the park.

"We're currently re-envisioning the whole thing," Benfield said. "We are looking at expanding with a BMX section by 2010."

He notes that by having bikes and boards in the same park, the bikes are beginning to break down the park, and says that the two must be separated.

The Hangar was founded in 2007 by Dr. Chris Griggs, senior pastor of Denver Baptist Church. He noticed the need for a park because of the abundance of skaters in the area.

While other similar parks can be found in Mooresville and Huntersville, The Hangar is the only skate park in Denver.

According to Benfield, there are about 50 skaters each time the park is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Those who use the park are usually middle- and high school-aged boys from Denver and the surrounding area, most of whom are not members of the church.

Anyone is welcome at the park, which has only a few basic rules: wear a helmet, no foul language or violence, no throwing boards and respect those on the ramps at all times.

Those without a helmet can rent one for $3 for the day.

In addition, the park sells skateboards for $35 apiece.

According to 13-year-old Isaac Barker, who attends Denver Baptist Church and comes out to The Hangar every Tuesday and Saturday, the ramps and bikes are his favorite. However, 9-year-old Justin Farabaugh of Denver, who always visits the park with his brother Josh, would argue it's the scooters that make the park fun.

Church member Ean McGrath, 19, who serves as the park's manager in addition to holding a Bible study at The Hangar once a week, said working at the park was a ministry opportunity.

"I build relationships with kids and help spread the word," he said.

"My passion is for raising up a new generation that loves Jesus and wants to follow him into the world," Benfield said. "That drives my vision for ministry and my heart for the next generation."