On July 24th, 2025, history was made in Atlantic City. The long-awaited Uptown Skatepark officially opened its gates, bringing a wave of excitement, unity, and hope to the north end of the city. For Clearly Faded founder and former pro skateboarder Jay Klotz, it was more than a ribbon-cutting—it was the realization of a vision he has carried for decades.
Jay, who also founded the nonprofit SkateAC, has been on a mission to create safe, legal skate spaces for local youth since his own days skating the streets of Atlantic City. Growing up, skaters were often pushed away from public areas. Today, thanks to years of persistence, fundraising, and community collaboration, Atlantic City kids have a park that welcomes them—a place built to inspire, challenge, and connect.
Coverage from outlets like Great Day Atlantic City and The Press of Atlantic City celebrated the moment as a turning point for youth recreation in the city. Even Thrasher Magazine—the most iconic publication in skateboarding—highlighted the grand opening, cementing its place as a significant cultural milestone for the East Coast skate scene.
The event was a true community celebration. Hundreds came out to watch local skaters and visiting pros test the new ramps, rails, and transitions. Kids lined up to take their first runs, parents cheered from the sidelines, and music filled the summer air. Prizes, giveaways, and contests brought extra energy to the day, but the biggest prize of all was knowing that this space now belongs to the youth of Atlantic City for years to come.
Mayor Marty Small, whose administration helped secure funding for the project, called the park “an investment in the future of our kids” during the groundbreaking earlier this year (more here). The city contributed $70,000 toward the build, while SkateAC rallied additional support from sponsors, donors, and local advocates.
For Jay, the Uptown Skatepark isn’t just about skating—it’s about healing and opportunity. Sitting on the island, just blocks from the ocean, the park is part of a larger vision to reframe Atlantic City as a place of wellness, creativity, and community. Skateboarding, with its blend of physical challenge, artistic expression, and perseverance, has always been more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle that teaches discipline, resilience, and self-confidence.
“This is proof that when the community comes together, we can make incredible things happen,” Jay said. “I grew up dreaming of a place like this, and now, the next generation doesn’t have to dream—they can skate it.”
From the first drop-in to the last trick of the day, the grand opening of Uptown Skatepark marked a new chapter for Atlantic City. And for Clearly Faded, it’s another example of how supporting the brand means supporting the mission—because every hat, shirt, and skateboard sold helps fund projects like this through SkateAC.
The ramps are ready. The kids are ready. And this is just the beginning.
