Poppin’ Ollies with Society Memphis

Society Memphis began in the spirit of generosity. It started in 2018 when key supporters of the Georgia skateboarding community hauled their ramps up to Memphis. The Hazard County Skatepark near Atlanta had just closed, and skaters there wanted to put its equipment to good use in the Bluff City. Society Memphis went on to cultivate a skating community here for five years, withstanding the seasons in their unique indoor facility just off Broad Avenue. At the end of 2023, even as the original owner stepped down and Society Memphis closed, the new owners, Will and Christina Murray, had fallen in love with the business and wanted to bring it back to life. Now, with the help of manager Daniel Wallace and staff, Society has reopened in the same space, with an additional focus on supporting local artists. As Wallace says, “You don’t actually see many indoor skate parks” — and one focused on diverse forms of creativity is even more rare.

The shop is made up of four main parts: the skate park, the lobby, an educational space upstairs, and a garage. The park, open to the public until 10 p.m. most days, offers skating (and yoga and knitting) lessons. It also hosted a competition in March that has the owners already planning for another in the fall, hoping it will give the skating community a boost during the colder months. In warmer times, they host a skate summer camp. 

The lobby has a shop loaded with all the gear you’ll need for skateboarding, as well as a lounge area to study, chat with friends, and enjoy the brews provided by Society’s own coffee shop. Christina specializes in the baked goods, and their coffee is sourced from Dr. Beans. The baristas here can do more than pour a good latte, though.  

Upstairs, you’ll find barista Isaiah Williams working on his shirt printing. He stocks racks of original hoodies, T-shirts, and more with his own handmade designs. He also teaches classes monthly. “I love drawing, and I always wondered how I should transfer my art into things that I can share with others,” Williams says. “Shirts became that.” His dream is to save up and grow his skills toward becoming a published comic book author. 

For Williams and others, having so much space in which to create is a boon. When artists graduate from high school, they don’t always have the clearest path forward. Society recognizes this weak link in the community and aims to be a hub for all young creatives. And they are always open to more classes if passionate people are willing to teach. 

The garage area is located on the side of the coffee shop, behind the skate park. There they host jookin nights where people practice that O.G. ’80s Memphis dance genre — with a positive spin that benefits the youth of the community. If you’re intrigued by the street dance style, they also provide classes. The park has been used for music and dance videos, and is repurposed into a farmers market every Sunday, with five to 10 vendors selling produce, baked goods, art, and more. 

Parent Samira Alniswan emphasizes the diverse community of skaters at Society Memphis. “It doesn’t matter the type of job you have, and it doesn’t matter how old you are. Just come, and we’ll cheer you on.” Anyone is welcome to try something new. Alniswan recommends that younger kids go in the morning to get acclimated; the more experienced crowd tends to arrive in the afternoon and evening. 

Skate team producer Jake Morrow started as a regular skater here, then worked as a morning barista, and is now involved with all things Society Memphis. The team of eight skaters, ranging from 12- to 25-years-old, is involved in tournaments and also produces videos to improve their skills and promote the park brand.

If you’re looking to get involved with a new community, stay active, and learn new skills, this might just be the place for you.

Society Memphis Skatepark and Coffee, 583 Scott St., Sundays, 1-9 p.m., Mondays-Saturdays, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. For more info, visit societymemphis.com.