Couple Still Searching for Funding for Snow, Skate Park in Fenton

All misfits welcome!

That is if a local couple can secure funding to build a snow and skate park in Fenton.

Shaun and Tera Hamilton, of Fenton, believe skateboarding and snowboarding are becoming increasingly popular sports, and they plan on opening a facility named Misfit Lab to give those extreme athletes a place to call home.

The Hamiltons have been . In order to open Misfit Lab, they need to raise $800,000 through private funds, bank loans and advertisers, which they are still searching for.

Fenton Downtown Development Authority Director Michael Burns said no formal permits or requests for any reviews have been filed with the

"I hope he is successful in doing this," Burns said.

The Hamiltons hope to locate Misfit Lab on Fenway Drive in the Randy Wise building, if the building is still available when they get the necessary funding.

The 5,000-square-foot skate park will contain a mix of skateable, artistic wood and concrete equipment, that can be moved around.

The Hamiltons hope to start the first phase of construction this summer, if they get the necessary funding.

Misfit Lab also plans to offer one of the only indoor snow parks in the country. The majority of indoor snow parks are located in Europe, where the sport has become quite popular over the years.

Shaun has been involved with skateboarding for 17 years. His main goal is to bring all of this experience to the “untapped talent” he sees in the area.

“Why not focus on the talent in the Midwest?" Shaun said.

One local skateboarder believes Fenton would be a great spot for the facility. 

“It’s a great idea for the Genesee area. The closest parks are falling apart and aren’t keeping up with maintenance," Justin Mierzejewski said. “They need to realize it will help the city. Get the kids off the streets, get them in a good safe location.”

The Hamiltons hope others will share their passion for the project.

“The whole goal is progression," Shaun said. "These sports are growing, and pushing progression will move them forward in our area."

The park would offer features that appeal to both street and vert skateboarders, meaning boarders who like practicing their sport using ramps, rail and pipes, for example. Safety will be stressed and all riders will have to wear helmets.

The Hamiltons plan to allow children ages 5 and older in the park, but cildren between the ages of 5 and 11 will have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The park also plans to strictly enforce anti-drug/bullying policies, Shaun said.

Misfit Lab’s five-year plan includes an outdoor half-pipe, along with art pieces that will double as obstacles in both the skate and snow park.

The Hamiltons plan to instruct newcomers on how to ride and use the two foam pits in the snow park. Hamilton’s goal is to have his instructors work in Misfit Lab’s shop as well, so customers can receive experienced help.

The couple also plans to include a training area for wake boarders and a game area with a beginner transition pipe for those who are just starting out.

Cost to get into the skate park will be $55 for newcomers, which covers training. Prices in the snow park will be set somewhere between  $35 to $45. The cost to skate will be roughly $10 per three-hour session. Hamilton is considering offering season passes as well.

All of these plans are pending, but the Hamiltons are optimistic about making Misfit Lab a reality.

“There are a killer amount of kids who want to see this,” Shaun said. “The DDA has been really supportive.”

The Hamiltons are looking for support and feedback from the community. Those with questions, comments or ideas about Misfit Lab are asked to contact Shaun at reddsbalanceboards@yahoo.com or visit Misfit Lab’s Facebook page.