BK Construction, is finishing up the Bay County skateboard park at the Pete Edwards Recreation Facility in Panama City Beach. The goal is to be done by July 19th. The park has been under construction for approximately one month. The Bay County Commission got things underway earlier this year when they dedicated funds for the project. After years of watching local skaters turn the public infrastructure of Bay County into their urban playground, the commission decided it was time for a facility dedicated to the skateboarding.
County officials hope to complete the project for less than $80,000. Except for the specialized work on the ramps, much of the job was handled in-house, using county employees as well as inmates from the Bay County Jail. When finished, the Bay County skate park will boast a series of ramps, launches and rail slides that is inviting to a variety of skill levels. The park also is designed to blend, allowing skaters to flow from one obstacle to the next. Drop in the half pipe and there are a number of routes to take: go up the other side, drop off the side and over to the concrete ramps or launch onto the rail.
Assistant Bay County Manager Dan Shaw said that when the park opens later this month it will not be lighted, and thus will operate initially only during daylight hours. There will not be a fee charged, but skaters will be required to sign an at-your-own-risk waiver and wear protective gear. The park also will be skateboard specific.
“No BMXs,” Shaw said.
Bring your boards if you are planning a trip to our Panama City Beach Condo.
1 response so far ↓
25 Years Exp // July 27, 2008 at 11:30 pm |
Just hopped the fence and tried out the park. Boo. I could tell it was done for under $80k and they are going to dump a ton more into it to repair all that INDOOR Skatelite they used. It will be rippled and wrecked by next summer. No flow, the concrete boxes are useless, 3 feet of deck in front of the stairs and that mini ramp was built for 3rd graders. Nothing lines up to flow through the place. If the intent was to have a place for 13 year olds to be dropped off while Mom went to Pier Park, congrats. The rest of the skaters will continue to skate the urban park that is Bay County. Next time get some consultation from professional park builders and you will save time and money.