What the riders want

Concrete skate park in five-year plan

Amongst the long list of projects coming to the city is a plan focused on giving Elgin’s rolling residents a place to call home.

Part of the city’s proposed 2024-25 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan is further development on downtown Veterans Memorial Park. Phase 3 of the expansion details a $3.25 million skate park for the local scene that’s been growing over the past few years, thanks to the Parks and Recreation Department’s weekly Skate Nights.

“All wheels and all ages are welcome,” Carlos Gandia, event organizer, said in an interview with the Courier.

Skate Nights at the Recreation Center feature ramps and rails built and set up by Gandia, rentable boards and helmets and above all else, a supportive community.

“I try to teach as much as possible, I’m not the greatest skater in the world, but I can teach the basics,” Gandia added.

Scooter kids, bike riders and veteran skaters meet in the parking lot and work with what they can, but a move from asphalt to fresh concrete will breathe life into the scene, according to the volunteer.

The Capital Improvement Plan provides an opportunity to look beyond the typical 12-month government funding cycle and is a key component to maintaining a strategic long-term financial plan and guide for investments in city-owned assets and operations, according to the proposal.

“That kind of money offers opportunities for better designs and a lot more feature comforts like water fountains and shade structures,” Gandia said. “Places to sit for those who are participating or observing is huge.”

Following the success of recent park developments, the future site would take in community input from the people that would use it most.

Skaters have already voiced their opinions and imagine a smooth skate park with a stair set, handrails, mini ramp and hip features to trick down. Currently, riders have to travel to Taylor or Bastrop for a dedicated skate park.

“The hardest part will be designing it to all fit within the space, because it is not huge,” Gandia added.

Once funding is secured, the team will begin contacting potential park contractors that will conduct further public outreach and ensure that Elgin’s skaters get the best park possible, according to Gandia.

The new park would also solve some of the department’s storage issues, currently housing the weekly event’s selection of ramps.

It may be some time before details on the park begin to surface, but Skate Nights will continue to be a beacon and foster Elgin’s skate community. Weekly sessions can see as many as 35 different sets of wheels touch ground.

A great way to practice skills, meet friends and get fit, according to Gandia, Skate Nights can be attended every week, Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. in the parking lot behind the Recreation Center, 361 Texas 95.