COME ROLL WITH US
THURSDAY NIGHT
PANTHER PROWL
We host a free, family-friendly event every Thursday night at the DeFremery Park basketball courts from 6pm to 9pm. It's an official Oakland Parks & Rec program where the community comes together to skate in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. There is a rotation of live DJs from the community providing the music and snacks and drinks are provided by members of the community to share with all at no cost.
WHY THIS EVENT MATTERS
BUILDS AND ACTIVATES COMMUNITY
Our weekly event brings out BIPOC families, LGBTQ folks, and the diverse community who live nearby and have a deep love for Oakland. It keeps the park lively and safer at night while community members are present. Roller skating is a relatively inexpensive activity and gives folks an opportunity to build friendships and create lasting social connections!
DEMONSTRATES THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE
Roller skating has become extremely popular recently but there aren’t any outdoor spaces that are built exclusively for roller skating in Oakland. Roller skaters currently borrow spaces that were created for other purposes; basketball, tennis, or parking. We are asking roller skaters to sign up for the our program so that we can show the need for a dedicated space!
SHOWS COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT
Each week we see more people at Panther Prowl! We’ve talked to many of you and know that you want a dedicated space to roller skate. We’ve also spoken with neighbors of the park and hear how the event helps deters crime and invites joy into the space. You showing up tells us we are on the right track and helps us keep pushing to make an amazing roller skate plaza!
TESTIMONIALS
"It was amazing. I’m still buzzing from it and have been practicing all the skills I gained that day. Thank you for a truly special event for the Bay Area skate community!"
"Thank you for doing this! I am a landlord in the neighborhood and am always happy to see when the community rallies together. DeFremery has such a rich history and deserves to be a park for the people."
"Thank you for putting this together and proposing an East bay skate area for us. The event was great and I look forward to the next one."
