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Reporter: Jake Wasikowski

Former Pro Visits Omaha's Indoor Skatepark

A safe place for kids hang out and learn a sport is gaining popularity.

The Vault is the metro's only indoor skate park, and Monday a former pro skater stopped by for a visit.

12-year-old Dillon McQuinn has been skateboarding since he was five, but it wasn't until recently that he could skate inside. Now he's at The Vault 3-4 times a week.

“It's had a big impact on my life because I’m getting so good at it and everything." McQuinn explained. "When I first started skating my mom didn't care what I'd do, she just told me to wear my helmet. Then I got really good at it. She thinks I've gotten really good at it and she's proud of me."

The Vault opened their new indoor skatepark in December near N. 97th St. & Ida, and so far they've seen a lot of interest from kids and parents alike.

It's even brought in former professional skateboarder Nate Sherwood. Sherwood was a pro for about 10 years. During that time he befriended Tony Hawk and skating for one of his companies. On Monday, Sherwood taught kids proper technique, and the importance of safety. He says it's a positive way for kids to spend time.

"In the Midwest there's nothing like this. Minneapolis is the nearest indoor park i can think of around here, and that's it. Minneapolis, here and that's basically all you've got." Sherwood described. "It's somewhere safe for kids to go in the winter, skate, practice their craft, get better, work their way through the ranks. (I’m) trying to emphasize positivity in skateboarding and try to get rid of that kind of negative stereotype around skateboarding."

The Vault is open to the public. Sherwood is on his way to Cedar Rapids, IA to open up his own skate shop.

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