Watauga officials discuss potential $350K skate park for community youth

A proposed skate park in Keene, Texas, is gaining traction among city leaders, with discussions highlighting its potential benefits for local youth. During the recent Type B Board meeting, members expressed enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the need for recreational spaces for children in the community.

One board member passionately advocated for the skate park, recalling his own experiences growing up in Keene and the lack of safe places to skate. He noted that many nearby cities, such as Alvarado and Granbury, have successfully implemented skate parks, suggesting that proper signage could mitigate liability concerns for the city. The proposed park, designed by SPA Skateparks, would be customizable and could cater to both beginners and intermediate skaters.

Financial discussions revealed that the estimated cost for the skate park could be around $350,000, which includes engineering and construction. While some board members raised concerns about the project's funding and previous survey results indicating low public interest, others argued that the survey may not accurately reflect the desires of the youth, who often engage on platforms like Instagram rather than Facebook.

The board agreed on the necessity of gathering more public feedback and suggested a public hearing to gauge community interest. They also discussed the importance of including a budget line item for the skate park in the upcoming fiscal year, which begins on October 1. This step is crucial for moving forward with the project, as it would allow for the necessary bids and planning to take place.

As the conversation progressed, board members acknowledged the urgency of the matter, noting that previous discussions had stalled for over a year. With a commitment to prioritize the skate park in the budget, the board aims to create a safe and enjoyable space for Keene's youth, fostering community engagement and recreational opportunities.