Denton Skate Park

Project has been completed, and the skate park is now open. The additions feature new ramps, rails and wedges.

Staff has approved the conceptual design for the skatepark, and the contractor is scheduled to mobilize this Monday (12/16/2024). The layout was influenced by input from the community and different organizations, with decisions to repurpose several existing features of the park while adding various new features such as rails, pads curbs etc. Currently, the estimated completion date is 12/23/2024. We look forward to completing another exiting project!

Initially, staff considered working with a manufacturer that proposed installing metal ramps at the skate park. However, after reviewing community feedback from the Parks, Recreation, and Trails System Master Plan, which expressed a clear preference for concrete features over metal ramps, we have adjusted our approach. In response to the community’s input, we are now working with a different organization to provide professional-grade concrete skate features, which also add skate value in comparison to the prior design.

Staff is also exploring options to repurpose certain components for future parks or retain them at the current site once new parks are developed. See below for the updated layout plan.

In February 2019, the Parks and Recreation Department identified Mack Park as a prime candidate for a new skatepark. This decision came from a feasibility study conducted by SPA Skateparks, which gathered valuable input from community members about the amenities they wanted to see. The study ranked potential sites for the new skatepark, and Mack Park came in a close second, just four votes shy of the top spot. The recommendation was for a facility of at least 33,500 square feet to handle peak usage, aligning perfectly with the City's Parks System master plan and professional standards for a new skating facility.

Fast forward to this spring, when our dedicated Park staff submitted a grant application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program to kickstart the redevelopment of Mack Park. The proposal includes a 35,000 sq ft. placeholder for a future all-concrete skate park and pump track. But that's not all! The project also plans for enhancements to the existing baseball fields and trails, improved ADA accessibility, and new shade structures over the playgrounds. These upgrades are designed to transform Mack Park into a vibrant and active space, attracting residents from across the city and the wider region.

The grant application process is a two-step journey, and we're excited to share that we've successfully passed the first step. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has recommended our grant for approval, and it's now being submitted to the National Park Service for national consideration. We'll be on the edge of our seats until November 2024, when we'll find out if we've secured the grant. Stay tuned—we can't wait to bring these exciting changes to Mack Park!

This spring, the Parks and Recreation Department and Risk Management Department, conducted a comprehensive assessment of the equipment at the skate park. After thorough evaluation and discussions, it was determined that all wooden pieces need to be removed due to their deteriorated condition. The wooden ramp equipment has exceeded its life cycle, making repairs unfeasible, thus requiring complete replacement.

Our team will be removing the existing wooden equipment and will work with a manufacturer to install new ramps. We expect the project to be completed within 3-6 months.

*Note: All the skate features identified in red in the photo will be removed as part of this replacement. Only 2 ramps and 3 rails are planned to remain at this time.

Due to the removal of skate features at the Denton Skate Park, staff will utilize funding to replace those features in the amount of $60,000, which was previously appropriated for future skate improvements. Below is the proposed configuration for the new metal skate elements that will be installed.

Did you know Denton will have its first satellite skate spot?

In May 2022, Parks and Recreation staff kicked off the Briercliff Park Master Plan, through various forms of engagement, the skating community identified the need to feature a skate spot at this park. Hence, on January 24, 2023, the Briercliff Park Master Plan was approved by City Council which includes various improvements. Click here to learn more about the Briercliff Park Master Plan Project Page.

McAdams and staff are currently working on finalizing the construction documents for the approved Master Plan. Earlier this year, staff was notified that Texas Parks and Wildlife awarded the Briercliff Project with 750K towards the construction of this park. Staff is finalizing the agreement details and anticipates starting construction by Spring 2025.

City Council adopted the Denton Parks, Recreation, Trails System Master Plan on March 1, 2022. This plan will guide the department over the next ten years. The creation of the Master Plan involved strategically examining the community’s existing services, facilities, and resources and assessing future needs concerning parks, recreation, open space, and greenways.

In the 2021-2022 fiscal year, the City Council allocated $60,000 from the Capital Improvement Program for the skate park. Due to limited funds, this money can either be saved for building a new park or used to upgrade the current skate park. During community engagement, it was decided to hold off on spending to further evaluate these options.

The installation of a new skate facility closer to downtown and/or addition of satellite locations were identified through public input and staff is working on identifying various ways to make this vision come to a reality. To learn more about the master plan, click the link below.

Click here to read the Master Plan.