The Whitaker Group, which has been behind brands such as A Ma Maniére, Social Status, sneaker and apparel boutique APB, and Prosper, is set to open APB Skatepark, the first privately held, Black-owned, publicly accessible and non-DIY skatepark.

According to a press release received by Blavity, the park is being unveiled as part of The Collective on Tuckasegee in Charlotte, N.C., a development that will feature 10 unique retail stores, including APB Charlotte.

The Collective on Tuckasegee is a 13,000-square-foot compound and retail campus that aims to breathe new life into the neighborhood. The space is designed to encourage commerce and community engagement and amplify Black, local culture.

“Black culture has always been a driving force in shaping global trends,” James Whitner, founder of The Whitaker Group, said in a statement, per the email. “This complex is a crucial step in telling the story of how our culture moves fashion, business and lifestyle at large. We are excited to be able to provide a space for local businesses and communities to gather and thrive. Through this launch we are also expanding our reach to the skateboarding community to provide a safe space for the local youth.” 

APB Skatepark, which was developed with skate company BOARDR, is a state-of-the-art facility that’ll offer much needed programming via The Whitaker Group’s APB You arm, which is committed to exposing underserved communities to new concepts that are aligned with community members’ interests. APB Skatepark will include after-school lessons, trick tutorials and other events that will be created with youth, women and families in mind. Plus, an in-house apparel program inspired by the skate community is also set to release with the upcoming new skatepark.

The retail stores are set to open later this summer and APB Skatepark hosted its first-ever programming on June 21. This week includes programming for the skate park and will conclude with the APB Music inaugural live event and block party at the skatepark on June 28 and June 29.