LAFAYETTE, LA – City officials and members of the skating community came together on October 3, 2023, for a momentous occasion as they broke ground for the highly anticipated skate park at Thomas Park. This groundbreaking ceremony begins a project transforming the area into a state-of-the-art skateboarding destination.
The new skate park will cover an impressive 11,200 square feet and feature a street plaza with rails and platforms, a 4.5 to 7-foot bowl, and a mini ramp, providing skaters of all levels with a diverse and challenging terrain. This remarkable facility is expected to be completed by early January 2024, adding a new recreational hub to the heart of Lafayette.
The groundbreaking event was attended by Bronson Sarver, a longtime skater and community advocate for a skate park, who expressed his excitement for the project, saying, “I grew up in this neighborhood since 1986, and some of the best skateboarders came out of this area. It means a lot for it to be here in the center of Lafayette.” Sarver’s passion and dedication played a significant role in bringing this project to fruition.
Mayor-President Josh Guillory also addressed the gathering. “When I first got into office, I didn’t know Lafayette had such a big skateboarding community, and I’m so excited to finally be breaking ground on this wonderful initiative.” The Mayor reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Lafayette through projects like the skate park.
Park, Arts, Recreation, and Culture Director Hollis Conway recognized and thanked the skating community for their patience and ongoing support. “I am thrilled for the skating community, who have long-awaited having a skate park they can call their own. This park will provide a safe space for both youth and adult skateboarders to indulge in their passion.”
The new skate park at Thomas Park will not only fulfill a long-standing dream of the skating community in Lafayette but will also contribute to the overall well-being and vibrancy of Lafayette. With its state-of-the-art facilities and dedication to providing a safe and enjoyable environment, the skate park is set to become a hub for skateboarders and enthusiasts for generations to come.
Contractor We Skateparks owner William Emfinger, who’s built skate parks across the country for the last twenty years, is excited to construct the park. “I actually grew up in the neighborhoods back here, so it’s really great to see this happening. There used to be skateboard ramps all over the place.”
Architect Thomas Hughes with Architects Beazley Moliere managed the project. Designer Tito Porrata, founder of The Platform Group in Orlando, Florida, designed the park. J.B. Mouton is the general contractor, and ACSW Architects is the project architect.
