City of McKinney Texas Gabe Nesbitt Skate Park

The destination-scale McKinney skatepark in North Texas is now one of the largest skate parks in the region. At 30,000 square feet of plaza and transitional skateboarding terrain, it caters to participants of all ages and skill levels. The site is a prized public space for parents, spectators and the community at large. The City proudly claims the skate park as one of their most-used parks in the Parks Department system. Up to 1,000 skaters visit the park each week.

Skatepark Design and Construction

The City of McKinney’s Gabe Nesbitt design-build skate park project was designed by New Line Skateparks in cooperation with SPA Skateparks through a series of public outreach meetings. In particular, a group of middle and high school students / skaters comprised a skate park focus group to help create the final design alongside our professional designers. SPA Skateparks constructed the skate park as the specialty skatepark subcontractor. The project was completed on time and within budget.

Skate Terrain

The plaza area consists of features typical of an urban environment. A ‘skateable’ art structure to welcome users at the skatepark’s entrance. McKinney’s motto is “Unique by Nature”. Therefore, the art feature is meant to resemble a tree trunk that can be skated from multiple sides. A replica swimming pool complete with a skim box, pool coping, pool tile and stairs. A multi-level bowl, appropriately named the “Cotton Bowl”, references the City of McKinney’s history as a cotton farming region. A skate ditch stretches across most of the park and includes terrain that skateboarders seek out in concreted drainage areas.

The skate park includes shade structures throughout the skate park to protect skaters from the sun during the Texas summer months. A photometric study of the skate park lights and lighting systems ensures that skaters will be able to ride safely after the sun goes down. Amphitheater style limestone seating, landscaping and irrigation all enhance the experience and aesthetic appeal to those who will certainly enjoy this prized public space. Parking complete with a drop-off lane offers a safe method for parents to drop off their skaters before jumping on to their skateboards.

Interested in learning more about our design-build services and having a skate park designed and built in your City? Please contact us.

Click here to see more of our public skate park projects.