Skateboarding as an Economic Catalyst

The Potential Impact of a Premium Skatepark in Biloxi

The following information is based on online surveys, a social media platform data analyst, and first-hand observations of GCSA members from October 2023 to October 2024.

Attendance and Demographics

●       Average Wednesday Night Attendance: 35 people, with a notable family presence and a wide range of age groups (0-40 years old).

●       Age Groups: A significant number of young participants (25% aged 0-10 and 43% aged 10-30), indicating a growing interest in skateboarding among youth and young adults. This sustained participation hints at a long-term, stable customer base for skatepark-related activities and businesses.

Economic Impact:
With a diverse group of regular attendees, local businesses such as food vendors, skate shops, and nearby service stations benefit from steady traffic during skatepark meet-ups. Families and younger age groups particularly contribute to spending at snack bars and skate-related businesses.

2. Skateboarding Events

●       44 Weekly Meet-ups Annually: Regular skateboarding events create routine economic activity.

●       6 Major Events: These attract an average of 250 attendees per event, bringing together locals and visitors. Significant events also create opportunities for increased spending on accommodations, restaurants, and local retail.

Economic Impact:
Major events generate larger, concentrated spikes in local commerce. Beyond just the meet-ups, large-scale events attract additional revenue from hospitality, retail, and services. These events increase the visibility of Biloxi as a skateboarding destination, potentially attracting out-of-town visitors, further boosting the local economy.

3. Skateboarding Community

●       1,000 Skateboarders in Harrison County: A solid base of local skateboarders indicates ongoing demand for skateparks, services, and events.

●       Projected 25% Growth Over 5 Years: This anticipated growth in the skateboarding community will further expand the market for skateboarding goods, services, and events in the area.

Economic Impact:
As skateboarding continues to grow, businesses directly or indirectly associated with the sport (equipment sales, training, events) are likely to see an increase in demand. This also opens opportunities for new businesses to cater to this expanding customer base.

4. Awareness and Marketing Channels

●       Social Media (Facebook, Instagram): 43%

●       Local News: 32%

●       Google Maps: 25%

●       Word of Mouth: 15%

Economic Impact:
The effectiveness of digital platforms in spreading awareness points to cost-efficient marketing opportunities for local businesses. Increased social media visibility helps not only the skatepark but also surrounding businesses benefit from an influx of patrons.

5. Skatepark Demand Drivers

●       Local skateboarders often leave Biloxi to skate in Mobile, New Orleans, and Pensacola, cities with premium skateparks on a frequent basis.

●       Building a premium skatepark in Biloxi would capture some of this outflow and help retain spending within the local economy.

Economic Impact:
The establishment of a high-quality skatepark could reduce the migration of local skateboarders to other cities. Retaining this population means more money spent on local goods and services, boosting Biloxi's economy.

6. Economic Benefits of a Premium-Level Skatepark

●       A premium skatepark could host international events, drawing 10,000+ attendees annually. This influx of visitors would create increased demand for:

○       Hotels

○       Restaurants

○       Transportation

○       Retail and recreational services

Economic Impact:
With larger-scale events, Biloxi would become a destination for national and international skateboarding enthusiasts. The economic boost would not only come from direct spending by attendees but also from the jobs created to support these events (event organizers, hospitality staff, retail employees, etc.). The added exposure would contribute to sustained growth in tourism and local business development.

7. Crime and Safety Impact

●       Zero Skatepark-Related Crimes over the past year, with only minimal incidents (homeless loitering, sleeping on ramps, and littering).

Economic Impact:
The low crime rate around the skatepark makes the area more attractive for families and visitors. Safe, well-managed recreational spaces tend to increase property values and spur local investment, contributing to a positive community image, which indirectly benefits the local economy.

Summary of Economic Impact:

The Biloxi DIY Skatepark is already contributing to the local economy by attracting steady attendance, increasing spending in surrounding businesses, and hosting events that bring in visitors.

With plans to build a premium-level skatepark, the economic benefits could be substantial, including:

●       Retaining local spending by preventing skateboarders and families from leaving Biloxi for other cities.

●       Attracting visitors from outside the region for larger events, increasing demand for hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.

●       Job creation tied to events hosting and park maintenance.

●       Increased property values and community engagement by having a safe, well-managed recreational space.

In the next 5 years, as skateboarding grows by an estimated 25%, these factors point toward a significant boost in local commerce, tourism, and employment opportunities, potentially establishing Biloxi as a key skateboarding destination on the Gulf Coast.