Wells Branch MUD Skate Park in Austin Texas

DESCRIPTION

The Wells Branch Municipal Utility District (MUD) Skate Park is scheduled to open Monday, October 1, 2018 at 5:30pm. Come join the ribbon cutting ceremony and be one of the first to skate the newest skate park in Austin, Texas.

Skatepark for Municipal Utility District

The Wells Branch Municipal Utility District (MUD) Skate Park is located next to the Recreation Center at 3000 Shoreline Drive. Funded, developed and maintained by the Wells Branch MUD, it’s the newest skatepark located within the Austin, Texas city limits. SPA Skateparks was selected to design-build the Wells Branch Skatepark. The development group was comprised of of the owner, the owner’s representative and the SPA – New Line design build skatepark team. The skatepark project’s scope of work includes turn-key design and build services of the skatepark terrain, required demolition, and associated drainage and earthworks. 

Unique Skatepark Considerations

The project had several unique considerations that had to be addressed early on. Impervious coverage was limited as the overall site is tied to the newly constructed Wells Branch Recreation Center. The skatepark location was once the site of an original farm house in the area. In more recent years the same house was used as utility district staff offices until the structure itself became too costly to maintain. Staff relocated to a newer facility and the house was demolished leaving only the concrete foundation. Part of the skatepark project’s scope of work included the demolition of the foundation and temporary structures. A covered walkway has been left intact and incorporated into the skatepark design, which now provides much-appreciated shade to skatepark users and visitors.

Supporting Skatepark Amenities

This skatepark has a lighting system allowing users to ride after sundown! The skatepark is immaculately landscaped with grass, xeriscape-inspired plantings and even a synthetic turf area for a heavy traffic area. Bench and stadium style seating are placed throughout the area for both users of the park and those who are simply visiting. The final touches of this project really sets it apart from many others. It’s a really relaxing, pleasant place to visit. 

TERRAIN

Upper Skate Plaza

The majority of the plaza terrain is on the upper section of the site, and incorporates the covered walkway that connects to the Recreation Center. 

• flat bar
• manual pad
• flat ledges (skateable from both sides)
• 6 stair set with hubba ledges, down rail and Euro Gap
• bank ramp
• asymmetrical A-frame with A-frame ledge

Flow Bowl

Secondly, a three sided, open-ended flow bowl with depths of 4-5 ft deep connect the upper plaza area with the turn-around, lower section. Users who attended the public design meetings relayed that a shallower, friendlier bowl complex can be attractive to every skater despite skill level. We completely agree.

• miniramp section
• extension
• hip
• pump bump entry

Lower Skatepark Section

Finally, the lower section of the skatepark is not only a turn-around area to get back up to the plaza. Skaters can also stay and hit a combo of banks, hips and transitions for some unique lines. 

• Turn around bank
• transition pocket with roll in
• transition pocket with extension

HOURS & RULES

See the Wells Branch Municipal Utility District website for questions on skatepark location, hours and rules.

HISTORY & MASTER PLAN

From The Wells Branch MUD website….

The skate park is one of the projects that was identified as a priority for the community when the District conducted its park master planning process in 2014. The skate park will be restricted to a maximum footprint of approximately 8,000 square feet because of the impervious cover restrictions we must adhere to for the District’s stormwater drainage requirements. The project will include a public input process where residents of the District can offer their input and shape the design of the skate park. The skate park design will offer elements that appeal to skaters of all skill levels. Other requirements discussed include connecting the skate park and Recreation Center to the existing trail system through the Willow Bend Park.The skate park will eventually include plenty of seating and shade. Incorporating these elements will broaden the appeal of the skate park to non-skaters and promotes multiple uses.

External Links:

Wells Branch Municipal Utility District – Skate Park Project Update