Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament has opened a skate park in his hometown of Big Sandy, Montana, according to The Great Falls Tribune.
The rocker donated $40,000 to fund the park’s construction and was at the site for its unveiling last week.
Ament has been a skater since 1976. He said he plans on donating boards, helmets and pads to local children who can’t afford to buy their own.
“As small towns get smaller and smaller, I think it becomes more important for kids to have something to do outside of just school sports,” he said. “My dad helped me build ramps, now I can give kids around here something else to do.”
Reportedly, Ament and his professional skateboarding pals will host a big event at the park next spring.
In the meantime, Ament will appear with Pearl Jam at this weekend’s Bridge School Benefit in Mountain View, California. During the regular Neil Young-organized event, the band will celebrate its 20th anniversary with performances on Saturday and Sunday night.