Heather Bell
RADFORD – Phase one of the new skatepark at Bisset Park is complete and is already a popular offering getting a lot of use.
The skatepark is part of a series of improvements at Bisset, including pickle ball courts, a new basketball court, resurfacing of the tennis courts, additional parking and a widening of 680 feet of the riverside trail, which will be expanded to 10-feet-wide from just West of Memorial Bridge to Shelter Two.
“We are so excited to bring this new addition to Radford,” said Mayor David Horton of the new skatepark. “Already it has been heavily used and seems to be a big hit. Thank you to all the City Staff, the Recreation Commission, and the entire team who helped make this a reality. We continue to look for ways both large and small to keep Radford a wonderful place to live and play.”
Council member Jessie Foster was a strong advocate for the skatepark project. As the mother of three sons, she saw the lack of legal places to skateboard in Radford firsthand.
“I advocated strongly for a skate park because I truly believe our parks should have something for everyone,” she said. “We all have seen the ‘No Skateboarding’ signs around the city so the question I asked is, ‘Well, where then?’ My son Avery and his friends had to be transported to neighboring communities to skate lawfully.”
“I love that skateboarding is relatively inexpensive, and it’s great for those who prefer to compete against their last personal best, as opposed to competing with others,” she added. “It can be enjoyed on the skaters schedule, as many of our kids can’t attend a practice at a prescribed time due to jobs or responsibilities to their family.”
Foster said she is happy to see it already being put to good use.
“I am quite pleased to see the wide age range of skaters and that this skate park is already a popular addition,” she said. “The great news is that there is another phase to be added. Stay tuned and keep skating.”
A combination of federal Community Block Grant (CDBG) Funds and American Rescue Plan Act funds are funding the skatepark, and the work on the park’s tennis courts. Local funds from the Recreation Department’s construction budget are also being used for the park improvements.
