Kip Moore Launches Nationwide Skatepark Project

(L-R): Kip Moore speaks at “Comeback Kid Skatepark Project” press conference on 6/3. Photo: Alan Poizner.

Kip Moore has joined forces with Nashville based Salemtown Board Co. to launch the Comeback Kid Skatepark Project, a series of skateboard parks that will be built around the country to benefit communities and kids in inner cities. At a press conference today in Nashville, Moore and Mayor Karl Dean announced plans for initial projects in Nashville, Boston, San Marcos, TX, and Annapolis, MD.

The inspiration for the project’s name comes from Moore’s song “Comeback Kid,” an anthem from his upcoming album Wild Ones. Each park will be uniquely designed to provide the optimum place for people of any age to learn how to skate. Plans call for most of the phase one parks to be up and running by fall 2015.

“What started off as a pipe dream of mine years ago, has truly become a passion project,” said Moore. “It came from me wanting to give kids in inner cities a safe outlet, where they can form the bonds I know can be made from having somewhere awesome to go and be a part of something they enjoy. I wrote the song ‘Comeback Kid’ at a time when I felt like a comeback kid, but now when I sing it I think less about myself and more about the kids we are doing this for and how much I admire and respect them. We’re starting with these four cities, but the plan is to keep growing this as far and wide as we can.”

The Skatepark project is the first initiative of “Kip’s Kids Fund,” a donor fund through The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee focused on youth and teens. Moore is an avid rock climber, surfer, and skateboarder, and has enjoyed alternative sports for much of his life. Because of his heart for small town and inner city kids growing up with too few options for activities, he created the fund to provide alternative outlets promoting healthy habits and physical activities.

Moore’s sophomore album, Wild Ones, is set to be released Aug. 21.