In conjunction with National Go Skateboarding Day, City Council Member William (Bill) Bishop and the Department of Recreation and Community Services held a ceremony Saturday, June 21, to celebrate the grand opening of the new skate plaza at Ed Austin Regional Park.

The latest trend in skate park design, the plaza features skater-friendly benches, stairs, planters and railings.  The first concrete skate park in the City of Jacksonville; this one-acre plaza is one of only two such facilities in the city’s park system.

“This is a great day for Arlington,” said Council Member Bishop.  “We have been waiting with much anticipation for this skate park to open.  I want to thank everyone that had a hand in the planning, design, and construction of this wonderful facility.”

The cost of design and construction of the plaza was $425,000 supported by former Council Member Lynnette Self’s district bond funds and autumn bond funds.

Formerly known as District Two Regional Park, it was renamed in honor of former Jacksonville Mayor Ed Austin in May 2005.  The 144-acre park also features eight ball fields, 1.75 miles of walking trails, playground equipment, two concession stands, benches and bleachers, bike racks, three picnic shelters with tables and grills, restroom facilities, a community center and gymnasium. 

Among the other amenities at the Arlington-area park, is the city's top disc golf course.  Also known as the "Fore Palms Disc Golf Club," this 18-hole layout includes open and tree-lined fairways through the park on a course carefully designed to challenge all levels of players.  Tournaments and weekly events are available for more advanced players, while beginners of all ages can learn the game and the techniques from advanced players and disc-golf professionals who frequent the course.

The City of Jacksonville acquired the 144-acre site on February 7, 1994.  Formerly the Dunes Golf Course, the site was purchased from George W. Cook and Handi Boy, Inc. for the development of a regional park.

Following acquisition, enhancements made to the site included soccer fields, a four-field softball complex and roadway improvements.  A master plan was developed in 2001 outlining the ultimate build-out strategy based on existing usage and the addition of the Police Athletic League (PAL) as the partnering park manager.