We emphasize the AND in FREE&UNION. Indicating that we see ourselves as the connecting element between the general public, their political representatives and a pool of companies and organizations. Furthermore all our projects follow clear principles and concepts, based on the Sustainable Economic and Social Development as defined by the United Nations. Dimitrios Papadopoulos and Konstantinos Chatzis – skaters and initiators of FREE&UNION decided to establish a nonprofit organization. Whose mission would be to serve this community – children and parents alike. We help underserved communities create safe and inclusive public skateparks for our children and youth. Therefore we favor projects that have strong community involvement, grassroots fundraising and a base of support from the skaters, parents and local leaders. Our effort is that this community has a chance to embrace (or to have access) to the recreational and societal benefits of a skatepark.
Greece is a nation known for its rich history and vibrant culture, but we also see it as a place where skateboarding can thrive. Skateboarding is more than just a sport. It’s an art form, a means of self-expression, and a way of life. We believe that by providing accessible SKATEPARKS, we can enrich the lives of people in our communities and offer them an outlet for creativity, physical activity, and camaraderie.
At FREE&UNION, we believe in the transformative power of skateboarding. We envision a Greece where everyone, regardless of age or background, has access to safe and vibrant public SKATEPARKS. Our mission is clear: to build these SKATEPARKS and foster a sense of unity and community through the joy of skateboarding.
FREE&UNION is dedicated to making skateboarding accessible to all Greeks. We work tirelessly to design and construct public SKATEPARKS that meet international standards, ensuring safety and quality for skaters of all levels. Our parks are not just concrete structures. They are vibrant hubs of activity, where people come together to learn, share, and grow.
We distinguish between Natural Environment and Built Environment whereby both play a vital role for the appropriate development of our public skatepark. Hence we incorporate the idea of a science and technology park (STP). In order to create a place where knowledge can be shared, innovations promoted and research outcomes progressed to viable commercial products. Contributing to the national economic development, stimulating the formation of new high-technology firms and attracting foreign investment and promoting exports.
Here we refer to the ability to exist constantly – a process of people maintaining change in a homeostasis. Balanced environment, in which the conscious use of materials and resources, the direction of investments, the orientation of technological development and institutional change are all in harmony. In order to enhance both current and future potential to meet human needs and aspirations.
We point out the importance of environmental health, physical health, social health, emotional health, intellectual health, and spiritual health, as well as sexual and reproductive health. Education providing individuals, groups, and communities the opportunity to acquire information and the skills needed to make quality health decisions. Furthermore we promote normative safety. Which is achieved when our public skatepark meets applicable standards and practices for design, construction and objective safety measures for children and youth.
At FREE&UNION, we see skateboarding as a vehicle for positive change. It’s a tool for personal growth, community building, and empowerment. Together, we can create a Greece where every town and city boasts a world-class SKATEPARK, and where skateboarding is a source of pride and joy for all.
Join us in our journey to empower communities through skateboarding. Together, we’ll roll towards a brighter future for Greece, one SKATEPARK at a time.
WE HELP TO SHAPE AND STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITIES
Welcome to FREE&UNION, a non-profit organization passionately dedicated to the creation and enhancement of public skateparks across Greece. Founded with a vision of transforming urban spaces into dynamic hubs of recreation, self-expression, and community engagement, FREE&UNION strives to make a lasting impact on the cultural and physical landscape of our nation.
At FREE&UNION, our mission is clear – to foster a culture of inclusivity, creativity, and physical well-being through the development of public skateparks. We believe that skateboarding is more than just a sport; it’s a powerful tool for personal growth, community building, and positive social change. Our commitment is to provide accessible and vibrant spaces where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can come together, share experiences, and express themselves through the art of skateboarding.
We envision a Greece where every neighborhood boasts a vibrant public skatepark, contributing to the well-being and connectivity of its residents. FREE&UNION dreams of a nation where the clatter of skateboard wheels is synonymous with community vitality, creativity, and the spirit of freedom. Join us in our mission to roll towards a future where public skateparks are not just spaces for skateboarding but catalysts for positive change.
We introduced the skatepark idea to our local government and
we work with the city to confront challenges, answer questions
and meet requirements along the way. We define what people,
organizations and agencies should be informed and what are
the expected benefits of a public skatepark.
Coordinating with the city, we expect interest and support from
local government, the general public, local businesses and other
area organizations. Our approach to fundraising is to start with
the basics like grassroots strategies and work up to larger donations
and grants. We enjoy talking to people, even if it’s about money.
Skatepark design and construction is the phase of development
where we see the first results of our planning and fundraising. If all
goes well, the product should be a skatepark that meets or even
exceeds our vision. There are rules and legal regulations ready in
place to prevent corruption and ensure that the public gets the best
value for its tax payers’ money.
