After nearly three years of discussions and false starts, the city of Buda broke ground on the Jackson Tyler Norris Memorial Skate Park on June 27. Parks and Recreation Director Andrew Czimskey said he hopes Buda's skaters will be able to enjoy the park by the end of 2013.

The 10,000-square-foot skate park, at 480 S. Loop 4, will include a memorial to Jackson Tyler Norris, a Buda teenager and avid skater who was struck and killed by a vehicle on June 22, 2011.

"I want to thank city staff for being so creative in getting this thing done," said Buda Mayor Todd Ruge. "We've had a few hiccups along the way, but we're getting it done."

The contract for the work was awarded to Joe Brown Construction at City Council's meeting on June 18. The total cost is expected to be about $333,000. The county provided $140,000, and the city will pick up the remaining $193,000.

Czimskey said the park will make a good addition to Buda's recreational offerings.

"Having something that's unique is great for Buda," Czimskey said. "You don't see many communities with anything like this."

The park's original concept began when Buda teenager Jesse Crouse and a few friends decided to take an idea they had been kicking around for two years before City Council.

"Three years ago, my friend Cody and I said, 'Dude let's actually do it. This is is possible,'" Crouse said.

Crouse put together a video presentation, presented the idea to council, and three years later, got to hold a golden shovel and turn dirt on the project.

"Today is a great day," Crouse said. "We can get this park built and get to skateboarding."