By Tamas Mondovics
Summer has officially begun and Hillsborough County officials wasted no time to encourage local residents to take advantage of the countless amenities offered by its many regional and local neighborhood parks.
In an effort to promote the 13th Annual Go Skateboarding Day on June 21, county officials made arrangements to host a three-part contest series to name the Best Shredder, while showcasing the county’s three state-of-the-art skate parks.
Skateboard enthusiasts of all ages and abilities were invited to show off their skills during the first event, the Sea Breeze Skate Contest, held in April at the Apollo Beach Skate Park.
Go Skateboarding Day served as the second installment of a three-part contest series at the Hillsborough County’s Northwest Skate Park in Tampa.
The third and final event, called Endless Summer Skate Contest, is scheduled for Friday, August 5 at Brandon Skate Park at 5720 Providence Rd. from 6-10 p.m.
The event has become a much welcomed and anticipated tradition among skate fans aiming to demonstrate their skills and to showcase the camaraderie of the sport. Prizes are always awarded in four age categories to competitors that show off their best skate techniques and tricks.
It is noteworthy that, while promoting its skate parks, Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation department is also in the midst of hosting a series of public meetings focusing on the future of the county’s neighborhood parks. One of such meetings, held at Randall Middle School, focused on the future of the skate park in the heart of the FishHawk Ranch community, which is in need of much repair and upgrade.
“Our goal is to develop a Parks & Recreation Master Plan,” County Parks Services Manager Kyla Booher said. “Once completed, the plan will include specific recommendations on facilities, programming, amenities, recreational needs, current park conditions, improvements and renovations. We want to educate the public as much as we seek everyones input.”
Admission at each of the county’s three skate parks is free. Helmets and notarized waivers are required. Forms are available online at HillsboroughCounty.org/BestShredder or call 967-5973.
