Skatepark advocates press council; county has $250,000 for equipment but concrete bowl funding not approved

A group of Palm Coast skateboarders and retailers urged the City Council May 6 to develop a permanent concrete skatepark, saying existing metal ramps at Wadsworth Park are deteriorating and that youth and adult skaters travel outside the city for consistent facilities.

Several advocates, including parents and local shop owners, said skateboarding is a growing sport that can support local business and tourism and that a new facility would keep children engaged and provide a venue for contests and pro demonstrations. One speaker noted the global skate industry and Olympic growth as a reason to invest in infrastructure.

City staff reported that Flagler County had allocated $250,000 earlier in the year to replace removed/irreparable ramp equipment at Wadsworth Park. County representatives told the council that a concrete bowl skatepark addition had been proposed but that construction cost estimates ranged from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 and had not yet been funded. Staff recommended coordinating with the county to avoid duplicative investments and to explore whether a bowl addition could be added to upgrades at Wadsworth.

Council members expressed support for the idea, noting skateboarding’s cultural connection to the city’s surf community and the relatively modest cost of some skatepark builds. Council asked the city manager to check the status of county funds for Wadsworth equipment and to explore park‑impact fees and CIP timing at the May 27 budget and impact fee discussion. Council did not make a funding commitment at the May 6 meeting.