SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — From beginners to pros, skateboarders of all skill levels will soon be able to enjoy riding and performing tricks in this coastal city’s new skatepark.
The City of South Padre Island’s new skateboarding area located at John L. Tompkins Park has undergone a little more than a month of construction.
According to city officials, the project is still on track for being completed this May.
Spohn Ranch Skateparks, a skateboard design-build firm based in California, began construction on Feb. 8.
SPI Parks and Recreation manager Debbie Huffman gave an update of the project on Wednesday during a Parks and Keep SPI Beautiful Committee Meeting.
“Even with the weather and all of the setbacks they’ve had, they’re still right on track,” Huffman said. “These guys are really working diligently and they’re great.”
Huffman said it’s really neat to see the project come to fruition because so many people in the community have been looking forward to the skatepark and are really excited.
The final design for the skate park was created by New Line Skateparks and approved by city council in July 2020.
According to city officials, the final design combines street and transition skateboarding elements.
Some features of the skatepark include — a multi-depth flow bowl with banks and a quarter pipe, a roll-in area for beginners and a drop-in area for more advanced skaters.
“I can’t tell you how many skaters have contacted me about different events and things for the future,” Huffman told the committee. “It’s just really neat to see the excitement behind this.”
The skatepark is part of the second phase in upgrading John L. Tompkins Park.
Other amenities that will be added to the park in phase two include — shade structures, soccer goals and field markings, playground equipment, exercise equipment and solar lighting.
Phase one of the renovation of John L. Tompkins Park was completed in 2016.
It included amenities, such as a basketball court, restrooms and playgrounds.
For more information about the skatepark or to view its concept design presentation, visit https://tinyurl.com/y8l9mctr.
