Many city suburbs struggle to offer enough space or activities to keep teens engaged in sports, leaving them vulnerable to the streets - a dangerous alternative. Getting involved in a sport often requires transportation, but for many of these kids, that’s a luxury they don’t have. Their mothers juggle two jobs, leaving little time for guidance, and without options, teens start filling their time on their own. Too often, this path leads them down a road that can cost them their futures.
This cycle has been repeating for generations.
This cycle has been repeating for generations, isolating underserved communities and robbing them of opportunities. Yet, there are people who dedicate their lives to changing this. They pour in their time, energy, and even their own money to make a difference, but they can’t do it alone.
These teens and the people fighting for them need your support. Even small help can spark a big change.
Take a closer look at these teens. Look at the ones who believe in them. Together, we can give them a new path forward.
People who decided to make a difference.
In a world often clouded by challenges, two individuals from the neighborhood have emerged as beacons of hope and change. Elliot Zaki and Johnny Brasley, who intimately understand the struggles of suburban life, have transformed their personal experiences into a powerful mission for community improvement.
Rather than remaining passive observers lamenting the state of their surroundings, Elliot and Johnny have taken a proactive approach to address the issues they see. They have rolled up their sleeves, embraced the challenge, and sought out solutions, rallying support from like-minded individuals who share their passion for making a difference.
Skateboarding was more than just a pastime for them; it became a lifeline, a means of escape that shaped their resilience and creativity. Now, these two visionaries are channeling that same spirit of empowerment to uplift others and effect meaningful change in their community.
However, the road to transformation is fraught with obstacles, and the journey is far from easy. To amplify their impact and turn their vision into reality, they need our collective support. Join us in championing their cause as they strive to create a better world for all.
Building skateparks in underserved neighborhoods is more than just pouring concrete.
Building skateparks in underserved neighborhoods is more than just pouring concrete – it is about giving kids a place where they can feel they belong, a place that keeps them safe, off the streets, and lets them be kids. It is about building a culture of help and belief, and community.
For many of these young people, a skatepark becomes a second home, a place to unleash their energy, frustrations, and dreams into something constructive. It is where they learn to push themselves, to fall and get back up, and to believe in their own resilience. When they are on that board, they are not just skating; they are building confidence, strength, and hope. It is a simple structure that holds so much power to keep them from slipping into the dangers that might surround them.
However, it is not just about staying out of trouble, it is about finding a community and a culture that lets them grow.
Skateboarding is a symbol of opportunity
Skateboarding is freedom; it is creativity; it is a lifestyle that is all about self-expression and grit. Giving kids access to this world can change the trajectory of their lives. It shows them they have a place where they are seen and valued, a place that is theirs. For neighborhoods that often feel left behind, a skatepark is more than concrete and ramps; it symbolizes opportunity, of someone saying, “You matter, and your future matters.” It is about building stronger kids and, ultimately, a stronger community.
Commitment from Elliot and Johnny, who refused to give up
One organization that has embraced this powerful vision is Transitional Spaces, a non-profit dedicated to creating places where skateboarding, art, and community intersect. Based in New Orleans, Transitional Spaces brought Parasite Skatepark to life, turning it into an iconic destination for young skaters from all over.
However, this skatepark was not built overnight; it resulted from an unwavering commitment from Elliot and Johnny, creating a community that refused to give up.
In 2012, a bulldozer flattened what was once an informal skate area, but instead of walking away, local skaters banded together. They organized, they protested, they reached out to city officials, and they pushed for change. It took countless trips to City Hall and a year of relentless advocacy, but their voices were heard. The City of New Orleans legalized the skatepark, transforming a forgotten, blighted area into a world-renowned space known as Parasite DIY. This collective victory embodies the spirit of Transitional Spaces - a commitment to creating safe, dynamic spaces for recreation, creativity, and personal growth.
Transitional Spaces - Transitioning Lives.
Transitional Spaces believes that skateboarding is a vehicle for transformation, providing a sense of agency and independence that few other activities can match. They see it as more than just a sport; it is a tool for personal development, a gateway to community connection, and a means of self-expression. Through skateboarding, young people learn discipline, patience, and determination. They learn to face challenges head-on, embracing both the thrill and the risks. In these moments, they are not only building physical skills; they are cultivating mental resilience and forming bonds that can last a lifetime. For Transitional Spaces, the skatepark is an entry point to a world that fosters not just athletic prowess but also creativity, self-worth, and a sense of belonging.
In their work, Transitional Spaces goes beyond building skateparks; they create ecosystems that empower youth. Their initiatives include programs that blend skateboarding with wellness and art, promoting holistic growth. Transitional Spaces has partnered with artists, musicians, and chefs to create multidisciplinary experiences for the youth.
By integrating visual arts, music, and even culinary arts into their skateboarding programs, they are able to reach young people in ways traditional recreational facilities might not. This holistic approach speaks to Transitional Spaces’ broader mission of nurturing well-rounded, resilient individuals. Skateboarding becomes the doorway to a much larger world of opportunity and expression, one that encourages young people to explore their full potential and embrace their creativity.
Grounds Krewe initiative.
The Grounds Krewe, a community-driven initiative, is another integral part of this vision. The Krewe ensures that Parasite Skatepark remains clean, safe, and accessible to all, making it a true point of pride for the community. The park’s upkeep relies heavily on donations, which fund essential services like landscaping and waste management. In gratitude, Transitional Spaces offers unique gifts, such as limited-edition T-shirts and skateboards, to their supporters. These tokens are a small way to celebrate the shared commitment of those who contribute to keeping this space alive and thriving.
Donors and volunteers are not only sustaining the park—they are investing in a legacy that will impact future generations, ensuring that Parasite Skatepark remains a vibrant, welcoming space where youth can gather, learn, and grow.
Through their partnership with the City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, Transitional Spaces has built more than just a skatepark—they have ignited a movement. Parasite Skatepark is now a space that is safe, inspiring, and inclusive. Every inch of concrete, every ramp, and every rail carries the weight of a story—of youth who found courage, of a community that banded together, and of dreams that were given room to flourish. Parasite Skatepark is not just a place; it is a promise to the neighborhood’s youth, a commitment to saying, “We see you, we value you, and we are here for you.”
Continues to expand the impact.
Transitional Spaces continues to expand its impact, with projects in the works to bring even more skateparks and community spaces to underserved areas. They are dedicated to showing communities everywhere the value of these spaces—not just as recreational areas but as platforms for social change. Their vision is to use skateboarding as a tool to uplift, empower, and inspire youth, creating safe spaces that break down barriers and provide a path to a brighter future. For Transitional Spaces, a skatepark is the cornerstone of the community, where kids can be free to explore, create, and become. With every skatepark they build, they are laying the foundation for stronger, more connected communities where young people can find purpose and pride.
The impact of these spaces ripples outward, touching not only the lives of the youth who skate there but also the broader community that supports and sustains them. Transitional Spaces is transforming neighborhoods one skatepark at a time, creating places where creativity, resilience, and community thrive.
For these young skaters, each park becomes a symbol of hope, a place where they can feel at home and a springboard for dreams they might not have dared to chase otherwise. With every ollie, every grind, and every triumphant smile, Transitional Spaces is proving that a skatepark is more than concrete—it is a place for self-expression, a classroom of life skills, and a sanctuary of belonging. Through their work, they remind us that sometimes, all it takes is a skateboard and an open space to create a movement, transform lives, and build a future where every young person knows they have a place to call their home.
We invite brands to make their input into the community and skateboard culture - to make a change in teens' lives.
Please join Elliot and Johnny in their mission to build the future for those kids who need your help now.
Media Contact
Company Name: Transitional Spaces
Contact Person: Elliot Zaki and Johnny Brasley
Email: Send Email
Phone: 714-768-8477
Address:923 Constance St. #201
City: New Orleans
State: Luisiana
Country: United States
Website: https://transitionalspaces.org
