South Bend Chocolate Factory

'The Kitchen' state-of-the-art skate park opens this weekend

"Hopefully it puts a better image on South Bend for action sports wise,” Banasiewicz said. “When people come here, they can say ‘Oh, I'm going to ride The Kitchen--the best skate park in the Midwest.’"

The Kitchen is the biggest skate park in the Midwest. It is nearly 30 times larger than Brett planned with more than 300,000 square feet of space. The facility was completely built on Brett's own earnings---more than $100,000 of his own money.

"If I didn't build this skate park, I'd have to move."

Every weekend for the last several years Banasiewicz traveled to Muncie by train, but now, he can live year around at home.

"Wanted to do it because of my friends; this is where I grew up riding and everything I know is here."

A year ago, at the age of 16, Maddog become the youngest competitor to ever win on the Dew Tour--which is the professional circuit for BMX. And that first win was historic for another reason. It wasn't a BMX Park course like the one he's built here in South Bend. It was Dirt Park course, something Brett had never competed on before.

And he still won.

Many of the races Brett competes in, happen on national television on NBC. He's becoming a household name in action sports. Maddog even competed in the X-Games last year.

The Kitchen was built so he can stay at home and train but the public is getting the benefits of it too because the facility is open to everyone to ride or Skate as well. The cost is just $12. Brett says that the facility will always have a professional or aspiring professional in the building when its open to help those that are there.

And when he's not competing overseas or across the country, Maddog will be at "The Kitchen" too.

Brett and his friends will also give back to the community.

"We're going to work with the Boys and Girls Club on either Saturday morning or Sunday morning. And helping kids learn how to ride bikes and skateboard.”

The grand opening for The Kitchen is Saturday at noon. It is located at 3300 Sample St. behind the South Bend Chocolate Factory in South Bend. There will be door prized and bike and skate raffles.

NewsCenter 16’s Joel Schipper will be live at the skate park this Thursday on 16 Morning News!

And don't forget--Brett is still a teenager at heart. He wants you to follow him on twitter as much as anything else. You can follow Brett on twitter @imaddog9 .

You can also find more information on "The Kitchen" at its official website, thekitchenskatepark.com .

South Bend - Excuse The Mess.

Ne of the many things I love about South Bend is the seemingly endless list of things to do with the kids. When I saw that The Happy Housewife was looking for people to write about a few staycation ideas in their hometowns, I couldn't resist. What would a Dave Ramsey summer be without a few kid-friendly staycation ideas? With long summer days fast approaching, I'm so glad I took on this challenge because I've discovered more than I ever knew and know my kids are going to appreciate all the fun and exciting things ahead. So what will we be doing this summer? Here are our top 5 favorites (with more to come soon)... This isn't new to us, but we will certainly be getting our use of this great asset this summer. I some times forget what a valuable resource this is until we go on the weekend and see the parking lot filled with out of area license plates. The zoo is doing a lot to expand and improve their facility this year. With the addition of some lively river otters and a new ant-eater exhibit, I'm looking forward to our weekly trips to Potowatomi Zoo . Adults: $8, Children: $6. We actually became members several years ago and utilize all the reciprocal zoos when ever we can. We've gotten every penny's worth and more out of this local treasure. This is a little gem we discovered during those long winter month. Thanks to a coupon in the Entertainment book, we joined the Center for History this past winter. Children under 5 are always free and adults are only $7, but I know we've already recovered our membership dues this year. If you really want to make it affordable, you can check out a museum pass from the St. Joseph County Library's main branch and get several people (6, I think) in for free. What will you find when you get there? A pioneer village with a one room school room, log cabin, covered wagon, tee pee and more. The best part is every thing is really easy to see and monitor from one central location allowing your kids the opportunity to explore to their heart's content. : When you visit the main branch of the library, you can also check out a pass to the Healthworks Museum . We visited this hands-on museum for the first time this year. It can be a bit overwhelming during field trip season, but this summer it should be a little less chaotic. I love the giant "Operation" game. The kids like the lights and sound board. It's the perfect place for the slightly older kid who likes to learn about scabs and snot.

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