Who We Are
MOKAN Skates is a non-profit organization (registered as a 509(a)(2) Public Charity) founded in 2021 focused on addressing Kansas City’s need for recreational skateboarding spaces by engaging in skatepark consultation, design, advocacy, and fundraising work.
As professionals in our fields and active members of the skateboarding community, our organization is uniquely equipped to provide consultation and work collaboratively with community organizations, municipalities, and architectural and development firms to plan and implement wheeled recreation amenities that contribute to the health and vibrancy of our Kansas City community.
MOKAN Skates has its roots in the Harrison Street DIY skatepark in the Columbus Park neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri. This volunteer-built skatepark was KC’s skateboarding community’s response to our need for accessible skateboarding spaces. Through hard work and dedication, MOKAN members worked alongside fellow skateboarders to transform a once-overlooked cul-de-sac into a vibrant skatepark.
From its D.I.Y. roots, MOKAN Skates remains dedicated to addressing the need for recreational skateboarding spaces through the application of our professional expertise in skatepark design, engineering, and landscape architecture. We are driven by our shared passion and fueled by our positive impact and are excited to keep pushing.
Our Mission
Cultivating a vibrant community though the development of public skateboarding spaces.
Creating more spaces for skateboarding in Kansas City is important to us at MOKAN because skateboarding can have a hugely beneficial impact on individuals and our community. Skateboarding offers a fun and engaging way to improve physical fitness and mental health, promotes self expression, and fosters a sense of community. Skateparks provide a safe and inclusive environment for skaters of all age, race, sex, and skill level to join together.
Expanding the availability of skateboarding spaces in Kansas City holds a special place in our hearts at MOKAN. We are passionate about this mission because we firmly believe in the profound positive effects skateboarding can bring to individuals and our community as a whole.
Skateboarding isn't just about performing tricks; it's a powerful avenue for enhancing physical fitness and mental well-being. It allows people to express themselves uniquely, and it builds strong bonds within our community. The skateparks we create provide a secure and inclusive haven where individuals of all ages, backgrounds, genders, and skill levels can come together, share their love for skateboarding, and form lasting connections.
Our Team
We are a compassionate and committed group who share the same passion to champion the growth and positive impact of public skateboarding spaces across the Kansas City area.
Ben Hlavacek
President
Ben is passionate about growing the number of accessible skatepark spaces in Kansas City and the MoKan region through advocacy, consultation, and fundraising. He is a co-founder of the Harrison St DIY project and is a Project Manager for Evergreen Skateparks, where he works on skatepark projects all over the country. With MOKAN Skates, Ben hopes to use his experiences collaborating with communities, cities, and architecture firms to help develop the area’s skate infrastructure.
Taylor Stelter
Secretary
Taylor works at the landscape architecture firm Lorax Design Group in Overland Park KS, doing design and construction documentation of luxury swimming pools. Previously he traveled the country with Evergreen Skateparks, crafting parks renowned for their flowy and sculptural character. With MOKAN he offers his passion and experience to help create spaces which unite Kansas City’s skateboarding community while celebrating its diversity.
Hunter Hendrix
Treasurer
Hunter is a Professional Engineer working for Burns and McDonnell with a passion for skatepark space advocacy in the MoKan region. He is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast through his time growing up skateboarding, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and as an Eagle Scout. His sense of community service brought him to help develop Harrison Street DIY and to co-found MOKAN Skates to further develop the regions’ skate infrastructure to help provide a thriving inclusive skate community.
