Manatee County to open new and improved skateparks at GT Bray and Blackstone Park
MANATEE COUNTY, FL (May 13, 2019) – Later this month Manatee County will officially re-open two new and improved skateparks at G.T. Bray Park and Blackstone Park.
Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources will host a grand opening of G.T Bray Skatepark at 6 p.m. on May 22 and Blackstone Skatepark at 6 p.m. on May 23.
The new skatepark improvements include permanent “skate-able” landscapes that will be fun for every skateboarder – no matter their age, style or experience. Each skatepark has different and unique layouts and transitions, plus a skateboard repair station equipped with tools. The G.T. Bray Skatepark includes bleachers and shade. Future funding will provide for bleachers and shade at the Blackstone Skatepark as well.
Free helmet fittings for all ages will also be available first-come first-serve at both grand openings. In collaboration with Florida’s Pediatrician and Bicycle Safety Resource Center, funded by FDOT, members of the G.T. Bray recreation staff became certified helmet fitters and are in receipt of helmets to distribute to our community members.
The skatepark replacements are a major project funded by the half-cent infrastructure sales tax, approved by Manatee County voters in the fall of 2016. Both skateparks were designed and constructed by Jason Baldessari with Spohn Ranch Skatepark and constructed by Rampage, LLC.
For more information on Manatee County Government, visit www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on Twitter, @ManateeGov.