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Residents press council to fund replacement skate park after downtown site set for redevelopment
Summary
Skateboarders, parents and program leaders urged the council to commit funding for a new, concrete skate park in North Park or another permanent location to replace the Huxhold site slated for redevelopment.
Dozens of residents and youth speakers urged Boca Raton’s City Council April 8 to commit funding and a permanent location for a new skate park after the existing Tim Huxhold Skatepark was slated for removal as part of the downtown government campus redevelopment.
Speakers included parents, longtime skaters and organizers who said the city should invest in a state-of-the-art concrete facility that serves skateboarders of all ages and wheel sports, supports STEAM education programs and produces economic benefit by attracting visitors. Steve Tempske, representing skate-park advocates, urged the council to "prioritize the funding needed to bring this project to life" and described the park as a tool for youth engagement and health. Pedro Delfino and other community members said the Beach and Park District unanimously approved a motion to study a North Park skate facility and asked the city to provide financial support.
City staff confirmed the Beach and Park District has expressed interest in locating a replacement skate park on the east side of North Park and that the district is studying feasibility. City Manager George Brown said the city has committed to replacement of the downtown skate park as part of the campus redevelopment and that the Parks and Recreation Board and the Beach and Park District should continue to coordinate; staff said the city does not yet have a dollar figure and needs design specifics from the district.
Several residents said a poorly designed or prefabricated skate park is worse than none; advocates urged a properly designed concrete facility built with experienced skate designers to ensure longevity and safety. Speakers also described recreational and cognitive benefits for youth and highlighted skateboarding’s recent rise as an Olympic sport.
Council members asked staff to coordinate with the Beach and Park District and Parks and Recreation Board and asked for a report on options and any funding requests in the near term.
