Coral Springs residents unite to urge the city to rebuild Betti Stradling Skatepark into a modern concrete facility
Coral Springs, Florida – Residents of Coral Springs are mobilizing to revitalize the Betti Stradling Skatepark, a once-thriving recreational hub that has fallen into serious disrepair over the past few years. Located at 10301 Wiles Road, the skatepark was once a vibrant gathering place for skaters, families, and community members, but today it stands largely neglected, with most of its ramps removed and only a few outdated structures remaining.
Local advocates say the current state of the park fails to meet the needs of Coral Springs’ growing skateboarding community and is calling on the city to transform the space into a free, modern concrete skatepark. A petition launched on Change.org has quickly gained traction, emphasizing the potential benefits of revitalizing the park, both for young residents and the wider community.
“The goal is to create a safe and engaging space for young people to develop skills, stay active, and build confidence,” the petition states. Supporters argue that a state-of-the-art skatepark would provide a positive outlet for youth, promote healthy lifestyles, and help reduce crime by keeping kids engaged in constructive activities. Beyond recreation, advocates envision the skatepark as a community hub that could unite residents of all ages, attract visitors to Coral Springs, and provide opportunities for events and local business growth.
The proposed redevelopment plan calls for a durable, low-maintenance concrete design similar to Justice Skatepark in Hollywood and Lot11 Skatepark in Miami. The vision includes bowls, ramps, rails, and street-style elements suitable for skaters of all skill levels, ensuring the facility can accommodate beginners and advanced skateboarders alike.
Residents and supporters of the project are also exploring potential partnerships with organizations such as The Skatepark Project and the Live Like Justice Foundation, aiming to secure funding from city budgets, environmental grants, and community-driven efforts. Advocates point to Justice Skatepark’s success in Hollywood, built after a petition garnered over 3,000 signatures, as evidence that Coral Springs can achieve a similar outcome.
City officials say they are aware of the concerns and have included the skatepark in upcoming planning efforts. “In 2023, All Out Skate, a third-party vendor responsible for the maintenance and operations of the Skate Park at Betti Stradling Park, cited a considerable decline in the skate park use and declined to renew their contract with the city and the skate park was closed,” said Sayona Khandwalla, a city spokesperson.
As a response to feedback from skating enthusiasts who continued to use the amenity, the city removed equipment deemed unsafe and reopened the skatepark, Khandwalla added. “Part of our parks master plan’s objective for the next fiscal year is to develop short- and long-term plans for our primary and neighborhood parks that align with the needs of our residents, including the skate park,” she said.
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The push to rebuild the skatepark has sparked enthusiasm among local skaters and families, who see the project as an opportunity to not only restore a beloved facility but also enhance Coral Springs’ reputation as a destination for skateboarding in South Florida. Advocates emphasize that the park could host competitions, workshops, and community events, offering a safe, structured environment where young people can thrive.
Residents are encouraged to sign the petition and show their support for the skatepark’s redevelopment, believing that a modern concrete park will provide long-term benefits for the entire community. As Coral Springs looks to the future, the revitalization of Betti Stradling Skatepark stands as a tangible example of how resident engagement can drive meaningful change, turning a neglected space into a world-class recreational facility that inspires and unites the city’s youth.
