City of Mobile breaks ground on new skate park

Dec 2nd, 2014

MOBILE, Ala. - Mayor Sandy Stimpson and city officials broke ground today on Mobile's new skate park at Public Safety Memorial Park on Airport Boulevard.

Stimpson was joined by members of Mobile's skating community along with project contractor Jonathan Aeiker of Aeiker Construction; Brad Christensen, Director of Architectural Engineering for the City of Mobile; Jim Crowe, the consultant from the CSA group and designer of the park; Bill Harkins, Executive Director of Public Works for the City of Mobile.

The project was originally proposed two years ago, but became one of Mayor Stimpson's priorities shortly after he took office. Stimpson thanked members of the skating community and the Mobile City Council for their support of the $320,667 project.

"Improving the quality of life in Mobile is a core value of my administration," Stimpson said. "Creating a skate park in Public Safety Memorial Park will further activate the space, draw the community together, and engage the skating community in tangible, meaningful way. I am extremely grateful to the skating community for their patience and input during this process."

Funding for the project was designated by the Alabama Trust Fund. Alterations to the initial plan proposed by the previous administration will provide significant cost savings, in the range of $130,000 - $140,000.

The local CSA Group in conjunction with Spohn Ranch of Los Angeles designed the park relying on feedback from Mobile's skating community and Jewel Cullen, owner of local business Wooden Heart Skate Shop.

Local businesses including Foosackly's, BellRose Tattoo, Bob's Speed Shop and Beads and Leather have also expressed interest in supporting the project via a public-private partnership with the City of Mobile.

See attached for an artist's rendering of the new park. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2015.