South Bend skate park in need of donations

A public indoor skate facility for kids and young adults in South Bend is at risk of shutting its doors.

The Kitchen BMX Skate Park created by local BMX pro rider Brett Banasiewicz is now facing financial issues as a result of a traumatic brain injury he suffered while competing.

"They treat every one of these kids in this park as their own and that's what makes this place so unique," said Frank Rowley.

Rowley and his son Keegan have been trekking from Chicago to come to The Kitchen regularly for years now.

"It's the only park within two hours of our house and it's one of the biggest parks so it's one of the most fun," said Keegan Rowley.

"We've been all over the country and this park continues to bring us back,” said Frank. “Week after week, it's a family atmosphere, we're treated like family every time we come."

The Kitchen is Indiana's largest indoor skate park facility, serving thousands from all across the country since first opening its doors back in 2011. Now, those doors are at risk of closing.

"I don't want it to close at all,” said Keegan. “If it closed, I don't know where I'd ride."

“In the winter in South Bend, they have nowhere to go,” said Frank. “There's nothing outside to do."

Last month, an online fundraiser was started to try and get the park pedaling in the right direction again.

"Tell your friends, tell your family about how important it is for these kids,” said Frank. “Every bit helps from everybody."

So far The Kitchen's raised nearly $7,000. To give to The Kitchen, just click here.