Stronger Skatepark in 'real crunch' for cash

MILWAUKIE, Ore. (KOIN) -- Since it opened five years ago, Stronger Skatepark in Milwaukie is one of the only indoor skate areas in the Portland metro. But the venue was hit hard during the pandemic and was unable to pay rent.

AJ Waters, the owner of Stronger Skatepark, told KOIN 6 News they've paid a lot of the rent back, but they're still about $40,000 short and facing eviction.

"If we don't pay that back rent right away, we're going to lose our space," Waters said. Their landlord gave them 10 days to come up with the money.

But, so far, the park has only raised less than half of what it needs.

"We're in a real crunch spot," Waters said. "We need immediate cash donations or some kind of loan," adding they are "scrambling to come up with as much cash as we can."

Since plans for an October auction were scuttled when the 10-day notice was given, they are holding a fundraiser online right now.