News Summary
Bristol, Tennessee, has received $1 million in state funding to develop a new public skate park, a significant win for local advocates. Collaborating with Skate Bristol, the city is in the planning phase, working with Pillar Design Studios to identify a location and create designs, while a further $750,000 has been allocated for engineering services. Mayor Mark Hutton praised the collaborative effort, which reflects the community’s dedication to enhancing recreational opportunities as skateboarding gains popularity. The project aims to cater to the growing needs of the skateboarding community.
Bristol, Tennessee has secured $1 million in state funding to develop a new public skate park, marking a significant victory for local advocates who have dedicated years to the project. State Representative John Crawford and State Senator Bobby Harshbarger played instrumental roles in securing this funding, which is part of the recently approved $59.8 billion budget by the Tennessee General Assembly for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
This funding milestone is seen as a crucial step for both the city and the community following a two-year planning period. The City of Bristol, alongside a local skate group known as Skate Bristol, has been actively working to advance the project, demonstrating the community’s commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities for its citizens.
The Bristol Parks and Recreation Department is collaborating with Pillar Design Studios, an experienced firm that has successfully constructed over 300 skate parks nationwide. As part of the current project phases, the department aims to identify a suitable location, develop a master plan, and create conceptual designs, which are estimated to cost around $38,000.
In addition to the state funding, the City of Bristol has allocated an additional $750,000 to cover engineering and design services for the skate park. This financial commitment underscores the city’s dedication to this initiative and its recognition of the growing interest in skateboarding within the community.
Bristol’s Mayor Mark Hutton expressed gratitude to the state representatives for their efforts in securing funding for the skate park. Additionally, he acknowledged the role of Skate Bristol in advocating for this project, highlighting the collaborative nature of the initiative.
Senator Bobby Harshbarger emphasized the importance of recreational activities in promoting mental and physical well-being, signaling the state’s ongoing commitment to supporting healthy lifestyles through community resources like the new skate park.
According to Bristol’s Parks and Recreation Director, Michael Mains, the city is experiencing growth, which necessitates meeting the recreational needs of its residents effectively. Mains also noted that the local skateboarding community has shown remarkable patience and support throughout this extensive planning phase.
While the project is advancing, the city has not yet finalized a specific location for the skate park. Officials plan to engage the community in decision-making regarding both the site’s placement and the desirable features of the park, ensuring that it meets the needs and preferences of the local skateboarding population.
In summary, the commitment of Bristol officials, local advocates, and state representatives has led to this notable funding achievement for the skate park. As work progresses towards the establishment of the facility, the community awaits further developments that promise to enhance recreational opportunities for skateboarders of all ages.
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Additional Resources
- WCYB: State Funding Secured for Bristol Skate Park
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Tennessee
- WJHL: Bristol Secures $1 Million for New Skate Park
- Google Search: Bristol skate park
- Bristol Herald Courier: Bristol Skate Park News
- Google Scholar: Skate park development
- WJHL: Bristol Approves New Agreement with Boyd Sports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Skateboarding
- Blue Ridge Outdoors: Dazzling Winter Displays in Bristol
- Google News: Bristol Tennessee
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
