With a push, a glide, and a whole lot of heart, Lucy — a Grade 8 student at Monsignor Lee Catholic School — is helping build community in Orillia, one skateboarding session at a time.
Lucy is the founder of Raccoon Skate Club, a free, youth-led skateboarding program that meets weekly at Kiwanis Skate Park. The club is supported by Orillia’s Rainbow Initiative, Pocket Skate and Vintage, and funded in part by a youth community grant. It offers a welcoming space where kids of all ages and skill levels can learn, connect, and build confidence.
“My son took part in two of Lucy’s lessons and had such a positive, welcoming experience,” said Chantelle Quesnelle, SMCDSB’s Mental Health Lead. “It’s such a great example of a young person using their passion to build community in a really meaningful way — through play, outdoor activity, and the kind of healthy risk-taking that helps kids grow.”
Lucy brings a few extra boards each week so no one gets left out, often telling new skaters, “Just bring a helmet and a good attitude!”
Lucy and her mom, Nicole, are quick to shout out Pocket Skate and Vintage—and with good reason. Owners Mark, Grace, and Dylan have been instrumental in her journey, teaching her skills, providing coaching and feedback, and helping spread the word about the club.
“The skateboarding community has helped Lucy grow as a person, on and off the park,” said Nicole. “She’s learned perseverance and the value of hard work, but more importantly, she’s learned the value of connection, community and positive encouragement. We’re so proud that she’s chosen to share that with others.”
She’s also tying her love for skateboarding to local action. This summer, Lucy is raffling off a skateboard deck to raise awareness for Raccoon Skate Club and to collect donations for the Orillia Community Fridge. Every time someone attends the skate club, they’re entered into the draw, and anyone who brings food donations gets extra ballots.
The raffle is just one example of how Lucy is using skateboarding as a tool for connection and impact—and she’s learned a lot through the experience.
“It can be scary to put yourself out there,” said Lucy. “But if you do, amazing things will happen. My advice is…do it scared!”
Raccoon Skate Club runs Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m. at Kiwanis Skate Park in Orillia. You can follow the club on Instagram @raccoon_skate_club. Learn more about Rainbow Initiative Orillia on Instagram or Facebook.