A new skatepark will be built with a hopeful end date in 2024 as part of a city project focused on improving community parks.
The skatepark will be a part of the development of Schneider Park for the “Year of the Parks” project, Recreation and Parks Director Mike Price said.
It will include design elements recommended by a committee of experienced skaters, input from high school students and requests from the public via Google Forms, he added.
Price said the “Year of the Parks” is designed to focus on community park improvements after COVID-19 caused residents to spend more time outside.
The timeline and budget for the development are unclear, as the skatepark is still being designed, Price added.
“If after the design process we feel good about our funding options, then construction will probably take place in early 2024,” Price said. “If funding becomes a little more difficult, it could get pushed back, but we’re very hopeful at this point that we’ll have a skatepark in 2024.”
Price said there will be a public meeting Tuesday, Dec. 19 to cover possible design plans and get feedback.
Price added the desire for a skatepark was clear after there were 500 responses on the form about developing a skatepark, whereas they usually receive around 50 responses on other forms.
He said the substantial interest in a skatepark across the community makes him confident that there will be enough funding and donations to complete the project.
Junior Teddy Weiland said skateboarding locations were difficult to access because the nearest skatepark by the airport had a $12 entry fee, which many didn’t want to pay each time.
“Accessing a skatepark was especially difficult in middle school when we didn’t have cars,” he said. “A closer, free skatepark would bring in many younger skaters from around the area.”
Senior Gabe Adler said he experienced similar struggles in middle school which caused him to propose an idea to Mayor Ben Kessler in 2017.
“Around sixth grade, I ended up sending an email to our mayor,” he explained. “I got a response and met with him, but nothing ever happened with the park because of a lack of funding,” Adler said.
He said no further discussion about development took place because park improvement wasn’t the city’s main concern, and there was significantly lower demand for a skatepark. Six years later, Adler said his proposal has gained traction from the mayor.
“Since this year is the ‘Year of The Parks’ in Bexley, they’re putting more money towards public parks,” he explained.
Price recognized the interest of Adler and others after an event was held amongst high school students for the “Year of the Parks’” development.
Price said students were welcomed during their lunch period to discuss their opinions on other possible developments. Many of the students mentioned they would like to have a skatepark nearby, he said.
“The want for a skatepark came up regularly, and I think it’s important that the community, especially younger people, know that their voice matters,” Price said. “Take the opportunity to speak up about things you’re interested in.”
After searching for a plot of land able to support a skatepark, Price said the city chose Schneider Park, located just North of Alum Creek between Charles Street and Astor Avenue.
Price said he collaborated with Hunger Skateparks, a skatepark design company, in order to start the developing and design process.
He added that he will consider the responses in the Google Form, the opinions of the high school students he met with and his committee to determine what will be included in the park.
Weiland hopes the park includes design choices that maximize its usability.
“I want it to be made by people who know what they’re doing because a lot of skateparks will put random stuff in there that you can’t really use,” he said.
Weiland added he expects the park to have different elements for all levels of skating ability.
With varying skill level elements and increased accessibility, Adler said this park will not just positively impact the skating community, but also Bexley children.
“It’s constructive instead of destructive, and a lot of kids will benefit from a fun, constructive activity,” he said.
Adler added it could bring skaters of all ages and neighborhoods together.
“My older skater friends from Columbus will come into Bexley and show the younger kids what it’s like, and will share the love of skating no matter your age,” he said.
