Non-traditional sports found a new home after the Pflugerville City Council at its Jan. 14 meeting approved building a skate spot at Bohls Park.

Skating amenities in Pflugerville have been discussed for several years, and Pflugerville resident Brent Huerta has attended city council and parks and recreation commission meetings for 8–9 years to voice his support for building a spot in the city.

"There's not much to do in Pflugerville for young kids or young adults, and I think any variety [of amenities] we can introduce into the community keeps them from things we don't want them doing," Huerta said.

In order to better serve Pflugerville's west side, the parks and recreation commission initially looked at building the spot at the neighborhood park in Cambridge Hills. However, the subdivision's homeowners association and management company were concerned the skate spot would create parking and crowd problems.

"They have had some major issues with large groups, primarily sports groups, monopolizing the park, and creating hazards by double parking in the parking lot and in the street next to the park," Hemenes said. "[Parking problems] made it difficult for residents to get into the neighborhood, let alone emergency vehicles."

Construction on the Bohls Park skate spot is expected to begin in early February and finish in April. The city has set aside approximately $103,000 for the project, with costs including design, construction and materials testing. The spot's proximity to the park and the city's recreation center will provide ample parking and bathroom facilities for visitors.

Plans for the spot include ramps and a rail and concrete bench for skateboarders to grind, with total dimensions of 160 feet in length, 12 feet wide at the top of the ramp and 40 feet wide at the bottom. The amenity will be "wheel-friendly," meaning it can be used for skateboards, roller blades and scooters.

The spot is also expected to bring a enthusiasts from around the region, with skate facilities in Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock and Lockhart already drawing large crowds.