Ty Perlman, president of the Gulf Coast State Parks Association and board member of Biloxi Main Street Association, told the Biloxi City Council on June 24 that a community-driven effort seeks city endorsement and partnership to convert the do‑it‑yourself skate area at 205 Hopkins Boulevard into a permanent, professionally designed concrete skatepark.

“This is a community driven initiative to transform Biloxi's do it yourself skatepark into a world class facility that serves our youth, enhance our city's economy, and grows a vibrant community,” Perlman said during a presentation that included cost and usage estimates.

Perlman said the proposed site under the I‑110 overpass would cover about 62,000 square feet and that a full concrete park of the scale shown in the concept designs would likely cost roughly $3,000,000. He proposed phased construction to match available funding and asked the council to consider including the project in the upcoming city budget.

The presentation included usage and community‑engagement figures: Perlman said the group has held five public meetings with about 120 attendees, a petition of roughly 1,500 signatures, weekly meetups averaging about 45 participants, and roughly 92 events hosted at the Hopkins location to date. He said organizers estimate more than 2,000 skateboarders have used the site and that improvements would address safety issues tied to rough asphalt, limited lighting, a lack of water and restroom facilities, and occasional homelessness‑related impacts at the DIY location.

Perlman proposed an all‑concrete park to improve longevity in the Mississippi environment; he also described potential amenities such as fencing, lighting and signage to clarify park rules. He said organizers have received donated concept designs and plan to hire an experienced skate‑park builder if funding is secured.

Perlman said some grants and other opportunities require municipal endorsement or matching funds. “The city of Biloxi must act and grant opportunities exist, but most require city endorsement or matching contributions,” he said.

Council members asked questions and offered to continue the conversation. One council member asked organizers to coordinate with the Mississippi Department of Transportation; Perlman said a meeting with MDOT was scheduled for July 2. Another council member asked to be contacted directly to talk further about funding and logistics.

Why it matters: supporters framed the project as youth programming, downtown economic development and a way to retain local talent for regional competitions; Perlman also cited recognition from the Mississippi Main Street Association for community engagement and placemaking at the Hopkins site.

No formal council action was taken on June 24; council members indicated willingness to meet with organizers and MDOT and to consider funding during the budget process.

Perlman concluded by asking the council to consider the skatepark concept when the city finalizes its next budget cycle and by offering to answer follow‑up questions from staff and council members.