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Elgin’s Skate Night rolled out its largest turnout yet last week, as city officials continue to weigh a proposed $3.25 million skatepark included in the city’s Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan.
More than 250 local riders attended the March 18 gathering, which featured an expanded set of ramps, rails and obstacles, a performance from Elgin’s student-formed punk band, Society’s Joke, and a hands-on graffiti showcase courtesy of the Elgin Arts Association. With added time for older skaters, Bastrop’s Lone Star Skate Shop also helped organize a skate competition.
Volunteer Carlos Gandia, who organizes the weekly event, said Skate Night welcomes both seasoned skaters and those stepping on a board for the first time.
“All wheels and all ages are welcome. I’m not the greatest skater in the world, but I can teach the basics,” Gandia said.
While Skate Night continues to thrive as a grassroots gathering, the city is exploring a more permanent facility. A proposed “all wheels park” outlined in Elgin’s Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan is currently under review by the Parks Advisory Board, according to Parks Department Manager Elizabeth Marzec, who said the process could help the city apply for grant funding.
If built, current plans would see the facility extend the recently expanded Veterans Memorial Park along the railroad tracks between Avenue C and Avenue A, city documents show.
“The city made some amazing improvements to our parks last year and looks forward to many more developments in our parks system,” Marzec said.
Though no formal funding source has been confirmed, officials said the project supports Elgin’s broader vision for accessible, multi-use public spaces.
While many project details remain in development, Gandia said growing community engagement— particularly from those who would use the space most— could help bring the skatepark to life.
Skaters have previously shared ideas for the park, envisioning a smooth concrete layout with a stair set, handrails, mini ramp and hip features.
Currently, riders must travel to Taylor or Bastrop to access a dedicated skatepark.
“The hardest part will be designing it to all fit within the space, because it is not huge,” Gandia said.
For now, Skate Night will keep the wheels turning every Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. in the Elgin Recreation Center’s back parking lot, 361 Texas 95.
