A lesser-known park in the City of Nolanville is in the midst of a major upgrade that will soon place it on the map as the new outdoor destination for community members, nature lovers and skating enthusiasts alike.
Fox Park, located at 301 N10th St, just down the road from the recently renovated SMART Museum, is currently an active work site. Beginning in January of 2024, the team from Primary Concrete out of Austin, broke ground and got to work on pouring and setting the forms for a brand-new skate park.
The 5000 square foot Skate park itself will be able to accommodate up to 20 users simultaneously and aims to have something for everyone at all ability levels and will be a hub for the youth of the community, inspiring them to get outside, stay active and grow their skills on and off their bike, board, or scooter.
Despite being a longstanding part of the City’s recreational spaces, Fox Park has not seen upgrades since its inception until now. These enhancements have been made possible through a $150,000 small community grant from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission.
After being awarded the $150,000 grant, The City of Nolanville polled more than 250 children and adults from the community to get a clear idea on what elements were most sought after. It was determined that newer, universal playground equipment, a pavilion, a skate park, solar lighting, a butterfly garden, and native landscaping were the most desired elements.
“A lot of discussion among staff, City Council, and Zoning Boards have gone into what we envision this park looking like with new updates,” says Planning and Development Coordinator Jessica Navarro. “Digital surveys were sent to residents via social media, and area kids were given interactive surveys at community events that asked them what their dream park in Nolanville would look like.”
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved more than 9.8 million dollars in local park grants to 20 communities in three categories based on community size. These grants are allocated to local government entities to help add trails, gardens, playgrounds, lighting accessibility improvements, and more to local parks. The funded sites must be adequately maintained, open to the public, and remain parkland.
The Small Community Recreation Grant category serves towns of less than 20,000 residents and was awarded to nine communities, with Nolanville receiving the highest point total in this group.
“Master Park planning is a large area of focus for Nolanville,” says Nolanville City Manager Kara Escajeda. “We are excited that with this grant, we can continue to build on the quality of life of our residents regarding physical recreation and outdoor spaces.”
This project also features the artistic brilliance of Phoebe Joynt, a muralist from Austin, who was commissioned to paint the skateable elements with energetic and captivating graffiti-style pop art. Joynt's creative vision has added an artistic flair that not only brings vibrant color to the area but also features elements that highlight Nolanville's history and future.
About Rich Conklin and Primary Concrete
Rich Conklin has been skateboarding for 20 years and has been building skateparks exclusively since 2013. Before starting Primary Concrete, Rich cut his teeth in the skatepark industry, designing, managing, and building over 50 skateparks across the United States and internationally. He spent his winters operating heavy machinery and sculpting snowboard terrain parks. That hybrid of skills positions primary concrete in a way uniquely capable of creating seamless, flowing, organic, ride-able architecture out of dirt, gravel, and concrete.
About Phoebe Joynt
Feebee is a local artist, designer, and muralist. She is known for incorporating modern, urban, and street art elements into her ever-developing pop art style. Her background of street art and illustration was greatly influenced during her time in Brooklyn, NY. Feebee was born in upstate NY and received her bachelor's degree in communications Design from the Pratt Institute in New York City. She continues to explore what is possible with her creative style in the studio and on the streets. Her singular goal is to create something beautiful, eye-catching, and exciting for the viewer. Feebee currently resides in Austin, TX.
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For More Information:
Jennifer Shidler, Community Outreach & Public Affairs Coordinator 254-698-6335 EXT 4 Jshidler@nolanvilletx.gov