Crowds of youths are expected to invade Riverside Park in Mount Airy next week as the next major step is taken toward developing a skateboarding facility there.

“Summer Skate Jam 2009” is scheduled Saturday, coinciding with National Skate Day on June 20. The event scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. will raise additional funds for the project estimated to cost around $100,000.

The non-profit group Skate Mount Airy Inc., made up largely of parents of local skateboarders, has organized the event that will include contests, food, kids’ games and family fun geared toward all ages.

For similar gatherings in the past, a makeshift course of ramps, decks, ledges and other structures has been set up on former tennis courts of Riverside Park, which teens from Surry and surrounding counties have used to full advantage to demonstrate the popular sport.

The event will offer the general public a chance to see skateboarders performing various tricks.

“Summer Skate Jam 2009” is the first public fundraising activity scheduled this year by Skate Mount Airy Inc., which conducted a series of events in 2008. At last report, the group had generated about $45,000 toward its fundraising goal, which also includes community donations.

After a lull during the winter months which was not aided by the faltering economy, the return of spring has brought new energy to the campaign and built more interest among the community, according to Kathy Bentley, coordinator of Skate Mount Airy.

Bentley is hopeful the organization will be able to raise the needed funds to provide a public facility for skateboarders that is an alternative to other areas in town where the activity has caused concern. The coordinator believes the fundraising burden can be met if local parents each give a small sum for the facility that is now in the final design stages.

All proceeds from next Saturday’s event will go toward the planned skate plaza. A rain date is set for June 21.

“Summer Skate Jam 2009” is being sponsored by Canvas Skate Shop, Mobys Coffee, Titans of Taste and Eastern Skateboard Supply.