Bedford officials seek building team for county’s first skate park

Bedford officials are seeking a professional building team to both design and construct the county’s first skate park.

The county is providing land at Falling Creek Park next to the Bedford County Nursing Home for the project, said Michael Stokes, director of parks and recreation. A community group of skateboard enthusiasts so far has raised about $300,000 for construction.

“Our plan is to have this fully constructed by private donors,” Stokes said.

Experienced designers are needed, according to the county’s Web site, to develop three design options for a park with a 10,000-square-foot, bowl-shape concrete surface. There also would be 5,000 additional square feet for future development.

The county wants the design to accommodate skaters ages 4 to 40 and skating opportunities for all experience levels.

Stokes said once a site plan is developed, the county would host a series of public meetings for input. This is the first time the county has used a “design-build” procedure, as opposed to sealed bids, in going forth with construction due to the rare nature of the project.

“It’s not like going out to build a sidewalk,” Stokes said.

He expects to hear from 7 to 10 groups interested in the project; the county would narrow its choices before making a final decision.

“Hopefully by January we’ll have someone selected,” he said.

Stokes has said he believes the skate park is an investment because it is an answer for young people who aren’t interested in traditional team sports.

Brian Hilbish, an enthusiast and county resident with sons who skateboard, has helped lead the community effort for the park. Hilbish said earlier this year that there could be potential for a large following of fans once it opens.

“There are skaters everywhere,” he said. “You just don’t see them because they don’t have anywhere to go.”