New Port Richey Puts Up $475,000 To Revamp City Skatepark

City officials voted to spend $475,000 on a major skatepark upgrade, bringing fresh life to the aging recreation center. The Oct. 7 decision puts Tampa's Platform Group at the helm of this transformation.

The current park sits unused and worn down. "[The park] has deteriorated to a point that although it gets used, it isn't getting the type of use we would like to see from skateboarders, bikers, and scooter users," said City Manager Debbie Manns per Suncoast News, watching the once-busy spot turn quiet.

Two funding streams will power the changes. The main $350,000 covers basic work, while $125,000 adds a concrete bowl to the mix. This split keeps the project moving forward without delays.

Platform Group's track record speaks volumes. "They built all the modern-day skate parks that are in the state of Florida currently," including "the biggest skate park in Miami," resident Anthony Biggs Cataldo told the council.

To cut through red tape, officials picked Platform Group through an existing Ocala contract. This smart move saved months of paperwork and bidding wars.

The news sparked buzz among local riders. Hudson's Ray Martin sees dollar signs for nearby stores, while New Port Richey local Donna Jensen backs it as a youth magnet.

Council member Peter Altman pushed for bold thinking in the design phase. His colleague Bertell Butler IV raised questions about fitting in a planned basketball court nearby.

Public Works chief Robert Rivera stepped in with answers. "The first things that we're going to take a look at is exactly what you're saying is the space, and where and what we can accommodate," he explained to the council.

The clock starts ticking after final approval: seven weeks for designs, 16 weeks for building, plus permit time. All told, 33 weeks stand between now and opening day.

Before breaking ground, the city wants input. They'll launch an online survey and host a meeting where locals can shape the park's future. This extra step costs more but puts community wishes front and center.