San Antonio Opens New Skate Park Beneath Hays Street Bridge

News Summary

San Antonio has unveiled a new skate park located under the Hays Street Bridge at Dawson Park. The park, spanning 12,000 square feet, offers two distinct areas for skaters of all ages and skill levels. With features for both beginners and advanced skaters, it’s set to become a community hub with plans for playgrounds and historical signage by early 2025. Local skaters are expressing enthusiasm for the space, making it one of their top choices for skating.

San Antonio Unveils Exciting New Skate Park Beneath Hays Street Bridge

Skateboarding fans in San Antonio have something to celebrate! A brand-new skate park has just opened under the iconic Hays Street Bridge, right at Berkley V. and Vincent M. Dawson Park, just a hop and a skip east of downtown. The grand opening took place in early December 2024, and the park is already attracting skaters of all ages and skill levels.

A Park for Everyone

This impressive skate space boasts a whopping 12,000-square-foot area dedicated entirely to skating fun. Whether you’re a newbie taking your first ride or a seasoned skateboarder looking for the next big challenge, this park has got you covered! The design features two separate skate parks: one that’s perfect for beginners and another ramped up for advanced skaters.

For those just starting, the park includes fantastic beginner-friendly elements like chunky curbs, angled ledges (known as hubbas), and metal rails ideal for grinds and slides. Meanwhile, more experienced skaters can try their hand on exciting features such as wavy walls, a daring deep bowl, brick-layered banks, and even a thrilling loop-the-loop ready to test some serious tricks!

A Community Hub

This new skate park is more than just a place to ride—it’s a community hub! Surrounded by sprawling green spaces, the area also offers picnic tables, a lovely pavilion, and beautiful gardens. And it gets better! Plans are in place for additional playgrounds and historical signage to enhance the experience, expected to be completed by early 2025. This thoughtful planning emphasizes the city’s commitment to creating a vibrant space for everyone.

A Favorite Among Local Skaters

The enthusiasm at Dawson Park is palpable. Local skater and 23-year-old sponsored rider for Welcome Skateboards, Sekira Canales, who began skating at the tender age of three, can’t stop raving about the park. With a record of skating at all 16 parks in San Antonio, she has confidently ranked Dawson Park as one of her top three favorites. The city’s consistent efforts to maintain and improve existing parks haven’t gone unnoticed.

Also hitting the park is competitive roller skater Charlie Garza, who showcased his moves by performing a stunning backflip in the loop feature. He has quickly declared Dawson Park as his number one spot in San Antonio.

Thrilling for All Ages

Dawson Park has truly opened its arms to skaters of all ages. Watch out for 6-year-old Kaleb Salais, who’s already impressing everyone with his tricks. Not to be overlooked are the older participants; skaters well into their 40s are joining in on the excitement. The park is a melting pot of talent and ages, bringing people together through the love of skating.

Parks and Recreation Efforts

This magnificent skate park is a key component of a larger initiative by the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department aimed at enhancing recreational spaces within the community. The idea for this park was already taking shape back in May 2020 when it received conceptual approval from the San Antonio Historic and Design Review Commission. The land itself has a rich history, donated to the city by private citizens in 2007 for public use, making this park a collaborative community effort.

So if you’re in the area or just looking for a new spot to flex your skateboarding skills, make your way to Dawson Park! With its impressive design and welcoming atmosphere, it promises to be a must-visit destination for skaters of all stripes.