SAGINAW TWP, MI — Saginaw-area skateboarders will soon have a space to hone their skills, even during the cold, snowy days of winter.
Major Skate, an indoor skate park and skate shop, is gearing up for the Friday, Dec. 5, grand opening of the brand’s second location, situated inside Fashion Square Mall, 4787 Fashion Square Blvd., in Saginaw Township.
“What’s happening is that the skate community is growing,” said owner AJ Malenfant, who opened the first Major Skate location in Bay City in 2022.
Malenfant has seen skaters of all ages utilizing the skate park inside Bay City’s Major Skate, and he hopes to see the same in the Saginaw County space. From five-year-olds to 75-year-olds, Malenfant welcomes all skaters, no matter their experience level.
“We’re happy about getting you on wheels,” he said.
On opening day, the new location will be open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce taking place to welcome the new business.
Its regular hours will be 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon until 6 p.m. on Sundays.
The new Major Skate is located inside the space that formerly housed Zumiez, a business that had a strong skateboarding element.
“Everyone is used to going there to get skateboard stuff, so it just makes sense to take over that spot,” Malenfant said.
Differing in style from the Bay City park, which is more of a transition park, Malenfant said the Saginaw location will offer a street park experience, with space for skaters to focus on different skills.
The Bay City location has some of the larger elements, while Saginaw will have more rails and ledges, along with flat concrete that is perfect for practicing skills like ollies and kick flips.
With a $15 day pass, skaters can visit both locations in one day to experience their unique elements. Roller blades and roller skates are welcome too.
“Skateboard parks are kind of a special niche where they’re a destination – you go to them,” Malenfant said. “I drive to Battle Creek; I drive to Detroit; I drive to Grand Rapids and all over the Midwest. We go to indoor parks – that’s what we do as skateboarders.”
The Saginaw location will also have space for birthday parties, along with private areas for skateboarding lessons. Malenfant encouraged anyone with an interest in the sport to sign up for a session.
“We will hold onto you so you will not fall,” he said. “We will teach you the proper stance. We will teach you the proper way to move. “We are going to make sure that you have a safe and great experience on a board.”
Major Skate is a veteran-owned business, with Malenfant serving in the Michigan Army National Guard for 22 years running. He served in both Afghanistan and Iraq and has achieved the rank of major, which served as inspiration for his business name.
“With that comes leadership,” Malenfant said, explaining that his experience in the military has helped him as a business owner.
To find out more about Major Skate, you can visit majorskateshop.com. You can also get updates by following them on Instagram or Facebook.