Later this month Manatee County will officially re-open two new and improved skateparks at G.T. Bray Park and Blackstone Park. Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources will host a grand opening of G.T Bray Skatepark at 6pm on May 22 and Blackstone Skatepark at 6pm on May 23. Free helmet fittings for all ages will also be available first-come first-serve at both grand openings.
The new skatepark improvements include permanent “skate-able” landscapes that will be fun for every skateboarder—no matter their age, style or experience. Each skatepark has different layouts and transitions, plus a skateboard repair station equipped with tools. The G.T. Bray Skatepark includes bleachers and shade. Future funding will provide for bleachers and shade at the Blackstone Skatepark as well.
The skatepark replacements are a major project funded by the half-cent infrastructure sales tax, approved by Manatee County voters in the fall of 2016. Both skateparks were designed and constructed by Jason Baldessari with Spohn Ranch Skatepark and constructed by Rampage, LLC.

Manatee County Government