20 Feb MIAMI’S VERY OWN SKATE NIGHT ON THE BAY

This idea was literally born on a balcony. Years ago, Alex Macias would sit outside his apartment overlooking Bayfront Park, and think about how to make those 32 waterfront acres a real, honest to goodness, daily, can’t miss destination for the people of Miami.

For Macias, who grew up going to the Kendall Hot Wheels, addicted to its Monday skate night party, Bayfront’s circular Pepper Fountain stuck out.

Why not turn it into a roller skating rink, he thought.

When The Miami Foundation’s Public Space Challenge launched, Alex and his brother Marcos Macias pitched their idea. They won challenge funding, and on Feb. 26, Bay Skate Miami will debut – a free night of skating and music.

The Macias brothers, who own a creative agency, see Bay Skate as their chance to use their skills in strategic brand development to provide something for locals to enjoy.

“It’s really a thank you to the community,” Alex Macias said. “The people who are making the community are not the developers who are building the towers. It’s the people opening up the bakeries. It’s the guys opening up the shops, it’s the techies opening up start-ups. These guys are building neighborhoods and making this city evolve in a good way.”

Alex and Marcos Macias promise a night of nostalgia. The fountain will be lit like an old school rink, and the folks from Super Wheels – Hot Wheels’ successor – will offer shoe valets and limited skate rentals. Local businesses, including COYO Taco, Sakaya Kitchen/Black Brick and Wynwood Brewing Co. will sell food and drink.

Keeping everyone going will be MC Da Real Monie Love and a crew of local DJ’s. Expect early Hip Hop, Funk, Soul, 80s pop and a bunch of other skating classics.

The Macias brothers hope Bay Skate turns into a monthly event that brings people from around Miami to downtown to skate together.

“It doesn’t matter what your style is, whether you’re from West Kendall or Downtown. These events can bring people together and showcase how we should address challenges through smart insights…that if you look, you can find people who bring good ideas and actually make them happen.”

Bay Skate Miami, a Public Space Challenge winner, will take place from 5 to 11 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Pepper Fountain in Bayfront Park. General Session 5-7pm / Adult Skate Session 7:30-11 p.m. Find out more on their Facebook page.

The 2015 Public Space Challenge launches on March 4. Find out more atourmiami.org/challenge.