Positive Impacts of Biloxi’s DIY Skatepark

By Tyler Prowant

Introduction:

The establishment of a DIY skatepark in Biloxi has yielded significant positive impacts on the local community, thanks to the joint efforts of the Gulf Coast Skateparks Association (GCSA) and Biloxi Main Street. Let's explore key metrics derived from the weekly Wednesday night meetups, quarterly events organized by GCSA, and online social media data collection to highlight the various benefits observed in the community.

Overview:

Increased Foot Traffic

Successful Community Events

Youth Engagement and Well-being

Crime Reduction

Public Perception

Increased Foot Traffic:

Since the inception of the DIY Skatepark, the nearby areas have witnessed a substantial increase in foot traffic. Previously averaging 5-10 daily visitors, the skatepark now attracts 30-60 visitors daily. The diverse age range of attendees, spanning from children aged 0-6 to individuals aged 42 and above, reflects the inclusive nature of the skatepark. Notably, a record-breaking attendance of 30 skateboarders and 25 disc golf players during a weekly meetup on February 21, 2024, underscores the popularity of the venue.

Visitors Age ranges:

Ages 0-6: 2-3 visitors

Ages 7-13: 4-6 visitors

Ages 14-20: 10-12 visitors

Ages 21-31: 12-20 visitors

Ages 32-41: 8-10 visitors

Ages 42+: 3-5 visitors

Successful Community Events:

GCSA's quarterly contests have not only been successful in fostering community engagement but have also raised $4900, enabling the official establishment of the organization on February 7, 2024. This milestone positions GCSA to pursue grant opportunities for the construction of a free public-use skatepark in the area. The increasing attendance at quarterly skate jams, with an estimated 250-300 visitors projected for the upcoming May 4, 2024 event, reflects growing community interest and support.

Quarterly Skate Jams Attendance

8 October 2023 -120 visitors

20 January 2024 - 240 visitors

Future event 4 May 2024 - estimated to attract 250 - 300 visitors

Youth Engagement and Well-being:

GCSA's initiatives extend to youth engagement, with organized skateboarding lessons benefiting 30 youths. Parental involvement has increased, with positive testimonials indicating improvements in children's behavior at school attributed to the creative and physical outlet provided by skateboarding. The skatepark has become a safe space for young skaters, offering a sense of community, mentorship, and a means to cope with mental well-being challenges.

Three structured lessons have been organized, benefiting 30 youths in the community. Parents have shown an increased interest in skateboarding as a positive activity for their children. Notably, Jourdan Derouen and his son have attended three events, with Jourdan noting a significant improvement in his son's behavior at school. He attributes this positive change to the creative and physical outlet that skateboarding provides.

Parents who attend events often scrutinize the skatepark environment with a careful eye and appreciate the level of courtesy and culture established. They feel reassured about safety and comfortable bringing their children to watch and participate in skateboarding activities. The community has observed a supportive atmosphere, with many local skateboarders offering unsolicited guidance and assistance to new participants.

Furthermore, some young skaters have shared their experiences, highlighting the positive impact of skateboarding on their mental well-being. For them, skateboarding serves as a means to decompress, allowing them to focus on having fun rather than succumbing to the pressures of anxiety and the need to fit in. This holistic perspective underscores the skatepark's role not just as a recreational space but as a positive influence on the overall well-being of the youth in the community.

Crime Reduction:

Over the past six months, the area surrounding the skatepark has experienced a notable reduction in crime. Incidents are isolated, with disturbances unrelated to the skatepark itself. The proactive approach taken by organizers to address parking concerns demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a peaceful environment.

The locality has experienced a notable tranquility in the past six months, coinciding with the growth of skateboarding in the area. During this period, the only significant reported incident in the vicinity was associated with a disturbance caused by parade spectators during the annual Mardi Gras Parade. It's crucial to clarify that this was an isolated event transpiring 500 feet away from the skateparks and bore no connection to the skatepark itself.

Another reported concern pertained to parking in the area, prompted by the popularity of the DIY skatepark, attracting both skatepark enthusiasts and Disc Golf visitors. To address this issue proactively, the organizers of these two events have collaborated on a plan. Specifically, they have devised measures to redirect parking to the lot south of the train tracks, thereby mitigating potential future calls related to parking congestion. This strategic approach underscores a commitment to resolving challenges and fostering a positive coexistence between the skatepark activities and the surrounding community.

Public Perception:

GCSA's online presence, including posts on Facebook and media coverage, has significantly contributed to positive public perception. Online testimonials from individuals using the DIY skatepark highlight improvements in physical, mental, and social aspects of their lives. The collaborative efforts involving GCSA, Biloxi Main Street, local skateboarders, and community stakeholders in planning a community-driven skatepark design highlight the widespread support and enthusiasm within the Gulf Coast communities.

As per a recent online post by the Gulf Coast Skateparks Association (GCSA), nine individuals have reported using the DIY skatepark multiple times a week. These users attribute improvements in their physical, mental, and social aspects of life to the access provided by the skatepark. Some have even expressed that it serves as an excellent training ground for contest skating.

The GCSA has successfully positioned itself as the central hub for the skateboarding community in the Biloxi area. Their impactful posts on Facebook have reached 27,000 users, and in just six months, they've gained 1.1 thousand followers on the platform. Additionally, the local skateboarding community has received media attention, being featured in news stories twice within the past six months:

WXXV25 - Coastal Organization Trying to Create Skatepark

WLOX - Coast Skaters Rally to Help Raise Funds for New Skate Park

The response from the Gulf Coast communities has been overwhelmingly positive, with many recognizing the evident need for a free public-use skatepark. Over the last six months, there has been a surge in motivation among community members to spread awareness. Notably, the GCSA organized a well-attended community-driven skatepark design requirements meeting, with 27 participants present. The meeting outlined essential elements and considerations for constructing a skatepark in Biloxi, emphasizing inclusivity, skill level considerations, community feedback, the potential for Olympic training, the unique charm of Biloxi, international appeal, and a plaza-style layout. This collaborative effort involves the Gulf Skateparks Association, Biloxi Main Street, local skateboarders, and community stakeholders, showcasing a united front for the development of a vibrant and inclusive skateboarding space.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the DIY skatepark in Biloxi, facilitated by the collaborative efforts of GCSA and Biloxi Main Street, has demonstrated its positive impact through increased foot traffic, successful community events, youth engagement, crime reduction, and favorable public perception. The ongoing efforts to design and construct a free public-use skatepark reflect a commitment to community well-being and further underline the enduring positive effects of this grassroots initiative.

References:

Prowant, T. (2023, October 9). Biloxi pop- up Skatepark Meet up. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9AizykX6kA

Prowant, T. (2024, February 5). Biloxi DIY Skatepark. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyI3TxQrnI0

Parker, B. (2023, October 28). Coastal organization trying to create Skatepark. WXXV News 25. https://www.wxxv25.com/coastal-organization-trying-to-create-skatepark/

Rojas, L. (2024, January 21). Coast skaters rally to help raise funds for New Skate Park. https://www.wlox.com. https://www.wlox.com/2024/01/21/coast-skaters-rally-help-raise-funds-new-skate-park/