Dripping Springs Skatepark is Closer to Reality
June 29, 2022
With the approval of Hays County park bond funds by the Hays County Commissioners Court and the approval of an interlocal agreement by the Dripping Springs City Council, the Dripping Springs Skatepark is closer to becoming a reality. Earlier this month, the City Council voted to enter an interlocal agreement with Hays County, the Dripping Springs Community Foundation (DSCF), and DS Skatepark, Inc.
The Dripping Springs Skatepark is being created through the efforts of DS Skatepark, Inc., a non-profit created to raise funds, work with skatepark designers, and build a regional skatepark at the north end of Founders Memorial Park. It will be a 12,000 square foot, plaza-style skatepark designed to provide a facility for young people to pursue an athletic activity that they love, as well as provide a safe place for young people to develop active lifestyles.
Hays County approved $624,250 in park bond funds to be given to the DSCF to use in construction of the skatepark. The skatepark was one of the recommended projects to be funded by the Hays County park bond that passed in 2020.
Hays County leaders are enthusiastic about helping make it a reality. Per Hays County Commissioner Walt Smith, “After years of hard work, fundraising and volunteerism by the residents of Dripping Springs, Hays County is excited to have the opportunity to help bring this skatepark to life. Our goal is to connect the community and encourage diversity and resilience, and this skatepark will do just that. This project was 100% community driven, and we’re happy to be part of this collaboration that will bring children, parents, and neighbors together.”
Per the interlocal agreement, the City will be responsible for providing park land, reviewing construction plans and contracts and operating the skatepark. The DSCF will be responsible for distributing the funds to DS Skatepark, Inc. Here are the details of the agreement:
Hays County
- $624,250 Park Bond Funding to Dripping Springs Community Foundation for funding Skatepark
City of Dripping Springs
- Provide property in Founders Memorial Park through License Agreement
- Construction and Contract Review
- General City review of project
- Own and Operate skatepark upon completion
Dripping Springs Community Foundation
- Hold and distribute funds for the skatepark
- Ensure that donated funds are spent prior to use of County funds
- Track the spending of County funds
- Assist DS Skatepark, Inc. as needed
- Acknowledge County contributions to the skatepark
DS Skatepark, Inc.
- Contract for design and construction through process outlined in the interlocal agreement including quotes and bond requirements
- Manage skatepark construction
- Ensure that donated funds are spent prior to use of County funds
- Acknowledge County contributions to the skatepark
DS Skatepark, Inc. started the project in 2019 with a goal of three years to fund it. Now that the funding from Hays County has been approved, the design phase will soon begin. Once the skatepark is completed, it will donate the skatepark to the City of Dripping Springs for ongoing maintenance and operation.
“We’re excited about this new facility in our parks system,” says Dripping Springs Parks and Community Services Director Andrew Binz. “It’s a great thing when we can provide additional places for physical activity for the youth of our town and for those visiting. Our parks are known for their diversity of activity, and the skatepark is a wonderful new addition to all we have to offer.”
While the park bond funds go a huge way to helping with the cost of the construction, because of the rising cost of supplies and other expenses in the construction, DS Skatepark, Inc. is still seeking donations from the public. Those wishing to help can make donations by going to the Dripping Springs Skatepark website, dripskatepark.com. DS Skatepark, Inc. is hoping to start construction on the project by the end of 2022 or the beginning of 2023.
Dennis Baldwin, one of the leaders of DS Skatepark, Inc., says “The Dripping Springs Skatepark will become a tremendous asset to our town and Hays County at large. This park will serve as a safe, inclusive space where our vibrant community of skaters (old and new) can challenge themselves, have fun, and spend time with friends. It's been a long journey and we're looking forward to breaking ground in the coming months!”
For questions on the skatepark or for more information, please contact DS Skatepark, Inc. by going to their website or emailing them at dripskatepark@gmail.com.
