After three years of discussions and development Emporia’s new skate park is now under construction.
Construction began Monday on the Whittier Skate Park according to an update from Emporia City Manager Trey Cocking on the monthly Q&A With Trey segment Monday. Commencement of construction follows several years of planning including a move of the project from its original location in Santa Fe Park to Whittier following lease negotiations with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad.
Cocking says he hopes the start of construction will be met with great excitement from the local skating community, especially after such a lengthy development process.
Last December, Emporia City Commissioners approved a $250,000 drawdown from the Lake Kahola Fund which will be combined with an anonymous $250,000 donation made back in October of 2021 giving the project $500,000 total. The new skate park will include a host of amenities such as:
*Bowl with a hip
*Bump to rail and down rail for technical maneuvers
*”Manny” pad doubling as both a bump to ledge and an out ledge
*Two handrails for grinding
*Double set for jump practice
*Step-up challenge
*A-frame “hubba” ledge for advanced tricks
*Fun box with rail and pyramid hip for creative sessions
*Flat bar and ledge for balance
*Bank-to-curb section for fluid transitions
*Assorted quarterpipes and bank ramps
Barring any unforeseen weather delays, Cocking anticipates the new park should be open to the public by the end of this year.
