Working to repair the skate park

Sophomores and juniors from Gatesville High School are helping rebuild the city's skatepark, next to Raby Park and the city outdoor swimming pool, with some support from local companies.

Stanley Ford of McGregor donated $8,500 for the project. Kalyn Siebert trailer manufacturing company helped with some of the metal products needed. Higginbotham Brothers provided discounts on lumber, according to Seth Phillips, recreation director for the city of Gatesville.

Tony Zapata, owner of the Gatesville Flea Market, has also made significant donations, including more than $100,000 worth of equipment that had previously been at the Fort Hood Bronco Youth Center and was located on his property.

Charles Lisenbe, construction technology director at Gatesville High School, was helping oversee the students' work on May 3.

"We've been thinking about doing this for a long time and finally had the opportunity to get out here," Lisenbe said. "We hope to work out here another day or two. The kids are excited to be out here because they want to be able to use it.

"This will give kids in the community something else to do. The plan is to rebuild and improve all the ramps. There's also room for a BMX bike site, but that hasn't been officially determined yet."

The students doing the work were second- or third-year construction technology students and included Easton Keeney, Carsyn Modisett, Joey Williams, Noah Gonzales, Evelyn Gregory, Zach Bryant, Mason Lanham, Dawson Poliquin and Ruben Rodriguez.

"The kids are enjoying the opportunity to do this," Lisenbe said. "It's a great project for youth in the community, giving them something fun and positive to do." 

GHS senior Ethan Branch started a petition in 2021 to get the skate park repaired after the city closed it following vandalism. A rotting wood ramp that is falling apart, a hole in the middle of a box feature, and multiple screws backing out on the ramps made the park dangerous for kids to ride.

Branch created a change.org petition, which garnered over 800 signatures and started conversations in a Facebook group dedicated to the repair of the park. On Aug. 24 more than a dozen residents came to the council meeting with resident Niki Foster speaking during the public forum to ask the city to fix the park.

This spring, work is underway that will help transform the skate park, and youth in the community are helping lead the way to get the job done.