Ramps And Alleys Clubhouse

WELCOME TO THE CLUBHOUSE! 

Let's get rolling into 2025 and make it the best year yet! 

We are proud to announce that the Ramps and Alleys Clubhouse will be going into its 5th year of operation as a free to low-cost space for youth to skate, spend time with friends and be creative. 

Our goal of $3,000 will aid in operating costs and help grow the Izan Wheeler Youth Sports Memorial Scholarship fund. 

Learn more about the scholarship: 

The Izan Wheeler Youth Sports Memorial Scholarship was established by the Ark Valley High Rollers and the Ramps and Alleys Clubhouse to honor Izan who passed away in Dec. 2023 at the age of nineteen. 

Izan was a very talented athlete in competitive sports during his years as a Spartan at Salida Middle and High School. Izan spent a lot of time in the skatepark on his scooter and BMX. When Izan wasn’t at the skatepark, he could often be found spending time at Ramps and Alleys, Fun Street Family Arcade, Salida Bike Company, or swimming in the river. Izan was also introduced to roller skating at the club where he quickly excelled, being the natural athlete he was. He also purchased his first skateboard at the skate shop and enjoyed learning alongside his peers. 

Teaching other kids to skate, scoot and BMX was something Izan really enjoyed. He even helped kids in need acquire their own gear by passing down his. It wasn't uncommon for a kiddo to roll by and say "look at this neat scooter Izan gave me." Although Izan, unfortunately more often than not, found himself in troublesome situations, he truly did have a heart of gold. 

This scholarship is intended to provide financial assistance to participants in youth sports between the age of 12-18.  This can include any sport, whether it is an organized sport/league or for personal development in recreation such as skateboarding, biking, rock climbing, kayaking, skiing, etc. All levels/abilities are encouraged to apply. 

The first cycle of scholarships where awarded to recipients on Oct. 4th, 2024. Salida locals, Kyndra Johnson for her golf career and Grayson Brown for his cross country career. We are excited to see our spring/summer applicants. 

RIP Izan. You are deeply missed. 

Continue reading to learn more!

Who we are:

The Ramps and Alleys Clubhouse is designed to provide a safe, fun, hang out for the youth of Chaffee County and operates under the 501-C3 status of the Ark Valley High Rollers Roller Derby Team. Our mission is to provide educational and recreational activities while promoting healthy lifestyles and building positive relationships.

The Ramps and Alleys Clubhouse offers a commons area and community space for people of all ages to hang out, paint, play games, and meet new friends. The Clubhouse also offers an indoor mini skate area and an outdoor skate ramp with a full size run of equipment for those who don't have their own.

What we do:

The #1 rule of the club is to “Be Excellent to Each other”. Clubhouse volunteers have been pleasantly surprised to find users of the space upholding this rule and teaching it to others. Users also find it easy to uphold the rule that designates the space as “screen-free”. Clubhouse kids find it easy to stay busy and engaged with each other and with physical challenges that come from skating.

The Ramps and Alleys Clubhouse has partnered with local programs such as the Boys and Girls Club of Chaffee County, elevateHer, Alpine Achievers, and the Family and Youth Initiatives to offer roller skating and skateboarding opportunities. Many participants then join other club sponsored programs such as junior roller derby.

Programming and activities at the Clubhouse are intended to be free of charge or very little cost for special programs. This is only possible through donations, grants, fundraisers, and community support.

Youth ownership:

The kids that inspired the Clubhouse initially were excited to be involved in its creation. Director, Stacy Falk, enlisted the support of the kids that she had met hanging out in skate parks around town. They helped build the interior features of the indoor skate park, paint walls and floors and furniture, clean up the dilapidated exterior space, and they eagerly marketed the space to their friends. 

The first year of Clubhouse kids have taken so much ownership of the place that in addition to spending much of their free time there, they give tours, encourage donations, and show up to help with projects and events whenever needed.  

The club has become a safe space for everyone, especially within the LGBTQIA+ community where adults and youth feel comfortable to be who they are and share their stories.

Why Donate:

The longevity of the clubhouse will allow us to continue our partnerships with so many great organizations that use the space for their programming as well.  THANK YOU!!!! 

Please see our web page for more information https://www.rampsandalleys.com/ramps-and-alleys-clubhouse

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING

 THE RAMPS AND ALLEYS CLUBHOUSE