By Don Lowe

Three decades after Jeremiah Anderson first experimented with operating his own facility for adventure-style activities like stunts with BMX bikes, skateboards, scooters, in-line skates and roller skates, this entrepreneurial visionary, who is also a man of deep faith, partnered with his wife, Jennifer, to open Rooted Action Park in Joplin, Missouri.

When the decision to take action on this vision that came back into focus after 10 years away from action sports, Jeremiah says, “Toward the end of the summer (2023), we decided to build some portable ramps and do a few mobile ramp park events in parking lots around Joplin.

“In October (2023), we decided to look at building a facility next door to our house. We believed it is what God was calling us to do next, so I quit my job with Christ’s Church of Joplin, we mortgaged our house and invested everything we had in it.”

Throughout 2024, it all started taking shape with a strong connection to past experiences. Jeremiah says, “Along with help from family and a handful of friends, we spent the past year constructing a building, as well as building the business, the ministry and the community of Rooted.“

The name is significant because this has roots as far back as 1996. This is growing out of what my bike shop (in high school), Chaos on Wheels (traveling stunt bike team) and Autumn Ramp Park all represented. The other side is spiritual, because we desire to see people rooted in Jesus, the Bible and the local church.”

Rooted Action Park showcases distinct differences that help set it apart. He says, “Our facility offers some unique features, like the only indoor pump track (doesn’t require pedaling) in the region. We also have the only airbags (provides safety for landings) in the region that are open to the public.“

The option to safely fall on an airbag is a game-changer for riders/skaters wanting to learn new tricks. Currently, there’s not another airbag or foam pit available to the public within a 500-mile radius. We offer a safe place for riders who want to progress quickly without risking serious injury.”

There are more appealing aspects and Jeremiah says, “Another attractive quality of our ramps is they’re built with wood. Most public parks are constructed with concrete or metal. Those ramps have their place and advantages, especially when looking for options with longevity and low maintenance. Wood ramps just ride differently. In addition to superior feel, there’s more flexibility with wood. “We’ve only been open a few months and have changed the design of our park multiple times. There will always be ‘anchor’ obstacles, but the goal is to design it in a way that allows us to move ramps around or temporarily add new features. It’s all part of creating a new experience for visitors.” As if all that isn’t enough, Jeremiah continues, “The fact that we offer space that’s out of the weather makes our facility unique.

Regional cities like Dallas, Kansas City, Bentonville and Tulsa don’t have indoor facilities for bikes, scooters and in-line skates. When the weather prohibits use of outdoor spaces, there isn’t anywhere else to ride/skate.”

It’s all about providing opportunities to virtually anyone, regardless of skill level or preference of bikes/skates, and he says, “We’ve designed our offerings for a wide range of participants. We’re trying to accommodate all wheels. We’re also creating space that’s accessible to beginners and challenging to advanced riders/skaters as well.”

Most importantly, Jeremiah wants Rooted Action Park to be a place that helps families grow closer. “I believe when parents and their kids participate in an activity together, they will build stronger relationships that will extend beyond our facility. “We’ve already seen many father and son duos coming here regularly. Sometimes it’s a dad introducing his son or daughter to something he’s been passionate about for years. Or it’s a mom taking up action sports for the first time because her kid showed an interest in it. Either way, the experience strengthens relational bonds.”

When he considers what has allowed this to come together so nicely at the outset, Jeremiah says, “If success is measured by accomplishing the mission, then we’re successful. We have people traveling as far as six hours away to ride/skate with us for just a few hours. “I think we’re probably the only business in the Joplin area that attracts people from Dallas, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Northwest Arkansas. There’s a community developing where people are making lifelong friendships.

We’re seeing dads and moms making memories with their kids. We’re having meaningful conversations about life and faith.” Jeremiah is steadfast in following this through as directed by a higher calling and says, “God told us to do it. We’re acting in obedience, and whatever success we see isn’t because of hard work or great strategy or anything else. We also have people supporting us through prayer and generosity. “If there’s anything I’ve brought to the table, it’s a resolve to keep focused on the why, which hasn’t changed much since I first had this idea back in 1996, and that’s to create a space for people to enjoy action sports, be part of a community and feel known and cared about. If I had to distill our mission down to one word, it would be hospitality.

“I guess at the end of the day, it’s amazing to look back at an idea that started back in 1996 became a reality so many years later. Rooted is the culmination of decades of dreams, experiences, friendships, failures and successes.

“It’s obvious God has been directing this journey since the first time I picked up a BMX bike back in junior high school. I’m excited to see what’s next.”

JEREMIAH ANDERSON FAST FACTS

Age: 49

Spouse: Jennifer Anderson, married 24 years.

Children:Ethan, Micah, Levi, Sophia, Evie, Kaiyah and Josiah.

Born & Raised:Elmore, Minnesota High School Alma Mater/Year Graduated: Blue Earth Area High School in Blue Earth, Minnesota, 1994.

Hometown: Joplin, Missouri (Jeremiah has lived here longer than anywhere else)

Career: Ministry is the best overall description of work. Owner/rider of Chaos on Wheels (1995-2006); director at Au-tumn Ramp Park/The Bridges Ministries (2006-2012); and discipleship pastor at Christ’s Church of Joplin (2013-2023).

Hobbies:Building stuff, video editing, BMX and hunting. Certified gunsmith and NRA firearms instructor and was Newton County Coordinator for 4-H shooting sports.

Website: Find details on hours, pricing and more at https://www.rootedaction-park.org/

See more photos in the February 2025 print and digital editions.