Who's Listening

Salena De La Cruz-Forsythe has been part of the Molalla Skate Park story since the very beginning. In 1997, shortly after graduating from high school, she partnered with her younger brother, Timateo De La Cruz, to help turn his vision for a public skate park into reality.

While Timateo inspired the community with his passion and determination, Salena worked behind the scenes, helping develop the original business proposal, coordinating logistics, organizing meetings, communicating with community partners, and supporting the planning efforts that ultimately led to the construction of Molalla's first skate park in 2000.

Today, as President of the Timateo De La Cruz Memorial Skate Park Foundation, Salena is leading the effort to rebuild the Molalla Skate Park while honoring her brother's legacy. She works closely with the City of Molalla, community members, businesses, donors, and volunteers to create a modern, inclusive skate park that will serve future generations.

With more than 25 years of experience in project management, user experience, process improvement, and community collaboration, Salena brings both professional expertise and a deeply personal commitment to the project. For her, this initiative is more than rebuilding a skate park. It is about preserving Timateo's vision, strengthening the community, and creating opportunities for young people to connect, grow, and thrive.

"Building a Legacy. Together."

Jose De La Cruz serves as Vice Chair of the Timateo De La Cruz Memorial Skate Park Foundation, bringing a lifelong connection to the project and a deep commitment to honoring his brother's legacy.

As Timateo's brother, Jose witnessed firsthand the passion, determination, and hard work that went into creating Molalla's original skate park. Today, he is dedicated to helping ensure that vision continues by supporting the effort to rebuild the park for future generations.

Jose works alongside the Foundation's leadership, the City of Molalla, community members, and local partners to advance the project through community engagement, fundraising, and strategic planning. His steady leadership, commitment to collaboration, and passion for giving back help keep the Foundation focused on its mission.

For Jose, this project is about more than rebuilding a skate park. It is about creating a lasting place where young people can build friendships, develop confidence, and experience the same sense of community that inspired Timateo nearly three decades ago.

“Together, we are building more than a skate park. We are building a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.”

Mateo De La Cruz serves as the Youth Advocate and a member of the Board of Directors for the Timateo De La Cruz Memorial Skate Park Foundation. As Timateo De La Cruz's nephew and the son of Foundation President Salena De La Cruz-Forsythe, Mateo represents the next generation of leadership dedicated to carrying Timateo's legacy forward.

Named after a portion of his uncle Timateo's name, Mateo has always felt a special connection to the legacy his uncle left behind. Inspired by Timateo's work ethic and determination, Mateo chose to pursue a career as an electrician after graduating from high school, following a similar career path that reflects his uncle's commitment to skilled trades and hard work.

As Youth Advocate, Mateo ensures that the voices of young people, skaters, and future park users remain at the center of the Foundation's work. He provides valuable insight into the needs of today's youth while helping connect the Foundation with the next generation of community members who will benefit from a rebuilt skate park.

Mateo is passionate about creating a safe, welcoming place where young people can challenge themselves, build friendships, and develop confidence. Through his leadership, he is helping ensure that the new Molalla Skate Park becomes a lasting tribute to his uncle's vision while inspiring generations to come.

"Honoring the past by building opportunities for the future."

Danielle Burks serves as Secretary for the Timateo De La Cruz Memorial Skate Park Foundation, where she helps keep the organization organized, connected, and moving forward as it works to rebuild the Molalla Skate Park.

Danielle holds Timateo De La Cruz close to her heart. As high school sweethearts, they shared many dreams and memories that continue to inspire her today. Serving on the Foundation is both a personal honor and a way to help ensure that Timateo's vision and the impact he had on the community are never forgotten.

As Secretary, Danielle supports the Foundation by maintaining records, coordinating communications, documenting board meetings, and helping guide the organization's day-to-day operations. Her dedication, compassion, and attention to detail help provide a strong foundation for the work ahead.

Danielle is committed to preserving Timateo's legacy by helping create a skate park that reflects his passion for bringing people together, encouraging young people to pursue their dreams, and building a stronger community for generations to come.

"Timateo's legacy lives on through every life we inspire, every friendship we build, and every future we help create."

Kevin De La Cruz serves as a Youth Advocate and member of the Board of Directors for the Timateo De La Cruz Memorial Skate Park Foundation. As the son of Vice Chair Jose De La Cruz and the nephew of Timateo De La Cruz, Kevin proudly carries on his family's commitment to honoring Timateo's legacy.

An active skater himself, Kevin honors his uncle every time he steps on a skateboard. He embraces the same passion for skating, community, and bringing people together that made Timateo such an important part of Molalla's skating history. Kevin also carries forward one of Timateo's most memorable qualities, his sense of humor, sharing laughter and positivity with those around him while helping keep his uncle's spirit alive.

As a Youth Advocate, Kevin provides the perspective of today's skaters, ensuring that the voices of young people remain central to the Foundation's work. His firsthand experience helps shape ideas for a skate park that is safe, challenging, inclusive, and built to serve future generations.

Kevin is committed to helping create a place where young people can build confidence, develop friendships, and experience the same sense of belonging that skating gave his uncle decades ago.

"Every session honors the past while inspiring the future."