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Keene residents and teenagers urge city to fund skate park as board seeks proposals
Summary
At a public hearing, young residents and adults urged the Keene Type B board to fund a public skate park (up to $300,000). Board members raised questions about site access, safety, sidewalks and long‑term maintenance; staff will solicit concepts and proposals and revisit funding next month.
Keene residents — including several teenagers who said skating is their primary recreational outlet — urged the Type B EDC board to move forward with planning and funding for a public skate park.
"I've come to speak in the positive way of the skate park," said Deondra Galvin, one of the students who spoke during the public hearing, describing skating and rollerblading as family-oriented activities that give young people a safe place to expend energy. Caleb Gavings, another youth speaker, said, "Skating is a way for them to escape and express themselves in a positive way," arguing the park would provide activities for kids who do not fit into traditional school sports.
Speakers offered both support and cautions. Resident Troy Smith, who reviewed skate-park norms for other cities, said smaller towns often need careful planning on scale and access: "I love the idea. I just don't think we are ready for it as a town." Philip Jackson noted potential outside funding opportunities, telling the board that TxDOT announced broad pedestrian-and-bicycle safety funding and that sidewalk grants have been offered in prior years.
City staff and board members discussed site options, including the green area near the former volleyball pits and the Pocket Park. Staff said there is room for a skate-park footprint in the proposed area and that concepts in the 7,000-square-foot range have been discussed; they also raised the option to expand later. Board members asked whether the site provides timely emergency access and whether sidewalks and safe routes would allow kids to reach the park without driving.
Staff said they are pursuing grant funding to supplement local funds and recommended getting engineered concepts and bids before committing money. A staff member noted that the capital-improvement plan (CIP) currently shows a $100,000 line item rather than the full $300,000 referenced in the public hearing materials, which may require amendment if the board chooses to approve up to $300,000.
The board did not vote on funding during the hearing. Members directed staff to obtain proposals and cost estimates and to return the item for discussion — and possible approval — at a future meeting once concept designs and cost data are available.
