Steamboat Sk8 Church Seats New Board to Rebuild Community Space

Steamboat Springs —The smell of roasted pork hangs heavy in the air, mixing with the sharp scent of wet asphalt and the low hum of a crowd that feels different this time. It’s louder. More purposeful.

Liana Torres stands near the entrance of the building at 2851 Riverside Plaza, watching the flow of people. For years, her family has been woven into the fabric of this place, but this week marks a shift. The Steamboat Pilot reports that the Steamboat Sk8 Church has seated a new board, and Torres, serving as both board president and acting executive director, sees it as a critical moment of reconstruction.

“This year has been like a rebuilding of the infrastructure, and the board is a huge part of that,” Torres said. She explained that the organization created a "board matrix" to ensure diversity in expertise, avoiding a homogeneous group. The new slate includes a blend of long-time members and fresh faces bringing specific skills in law, logistics, and business.

Among the veterans is Trevor “Apple” Mekelburg, who started as a teenager and now directs the Higher Grounds Youth Center. Joining them is Courtney Diehl, a longtime Steamboat resident who took the role of vice president in 2025. Diehl brings executive leadership and financial governance experience, skills Torres says are essential for the next phase. Other board members include Jason Bongiorno, owner of 1-Off Performance, and Ryan Bramwell, a creative director with two decades of experience.

The community is invited to meet these six individuals at the Sk8 Forever Fundraiser Luau and skate competition, scheduled for 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19. The event features a mini-skate competition and an authentic Hawaiian luau. But beyond the food and games, the goal is to reframe the narrative. The Sk8 Church is more than a skate park; it is a safe, free, and sober gathering space. Inside, there is a 4,800-square-foot skate park, but also pool tables, a video game center, an art station, and a kitchen where young adults can cook.

Torres noted that the support from the community during the rebuilding period has been encouraging. Many people have asked how they can help, signaling a renewed interest in the organization’s mission. The message is clear: this is a place for connection, whether you’re there to skate, study, or just exist in a space that isn’t defined by consumption.

As the evening winds down, the energy settles into a comfortable hum. The board is seated, the infrastructure is being rebuilt, and the doors remain open. For now, that’s enough.