The city donated 1.5 acres of land on the northern end of Founders Memorial Park to the Dripping Springs Skatepark Initiative in 2017, and since then, the organization has worked on fundraising efforts to make the $500,000 project possible.
Dennis Baldwin, a member of the Dripping Springs Skatepark Committee, updated City Council on fundraising progress at the Feb. 11 meeting and requested that council approve a motion pledging that the city would apply for several funding opportunities on the organization's behalf, including Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Local Parks Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation grant. Baldwin also requested the city consider contributing parkland dedication funds to the project.
Several area youth who participate in current activities sponsored by the skatepark initiative spoke during the public forum on the impact skateboarding had in their own lives.
“Skating has been going so far for me, and I have no idea where I would be in life right now [without it]. Honestly, I can’t tell. The only thing I want to do is progress, progress, progress,” said one high school student in attendance.
Laura Payne, a member of the Dripping Springs Community Foundation, which sponsors of the park initiative, also spoke in support of the project.
“I’m pleased that the area youth will have a safe place to practice their skills,” Payne said.
While a staff report from Parks and Community Services Director Kelly Schmidt supported Dripping Springs Skatepark Initiative's request, Purcell explained that he wanted staff to look into further avenues of support, including the potential dedication of hotel occupancy tax funds, before a vote was taken. Council voted to postpone a decision.
“I think the council wants to support the skatepark,” Purcell said. “It’s just a matter of how best to do it.”
