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Keene residents, students urge skate park as board opens $300,000 public hearing
Summary
At a public hearing, young residents and community members urged Keene’s Type B board to fund a new skate park (hearing listed up to $300,000); board members emphasized need for safe access, sidewalks and feasibility studies before final approval.
At a public hearing, the Keene Type B board invited residents to comment on a slate of park projects including funding a skate park not to exceed $300,000. Students and long‑time residents stressed youth benefits and safety while some speakers urged caution about location, size and access.
Deondra Galvin, who identified herself as a Keene student, told the board, “I have grown up roller skating, rollerblading with my sisters and my siblings...it would be very positive to have a public skate park,” saying such a facility would give young people “a place to go that is positive” rather than “getting into trouble.” Fellow student Caleb Gavings said he has skated in Keene since age 3 and described having limited safe places to skate, arguing a local skate park would “help” youth who do not fit into traditional sports.
Opponents and cautious speakers urged the board to match scale to local needs and infrastructure. Troy Smith said towns of about 25,000 often build ~10,000‑square‑foot parks and recommended a smaller design for Keene’s population; he also urged improved sidewalks and safer access before major construction. Richard Jackson told the board about a statewide TxDOT pedestrian and bicycle safety fund announced Nov. 13, saying that program may provide a funding path for required sidewalks.
Board and staff responses emphasized process and next steps. Staff said conceptual designs exist but detailed measurements and bids are needed; one member noted previous budgeting listed $100,000 this fiscal year in the CIP and that an amendment would be required to approve the full $300,000. The board agreed to solicit concepts and bids, continue to pursue grant funding and place the skate‑park items (site, bench, sidewalks, and pocket-park improvements) on a future meeting agenda for possible action after proposals are reviewed.
The public hearing also covered related items: a memorial bench for Matthew Davis (not to exceed $5,000), sidewalks (not to exceed $200,000) and Pocket Park improvements (not to exceed $50,000). The board did not take a final funding vote for the skate park at the meeting; staff said they will return with proposals and cost estimates for board consideration.
