Skate park coming to community park

The new skate park is expected to open in mid-February. Soon, the multi-faceted Port Aransas Community Park will gain a totally rad new facet.

City officials are planning to greatly expand the skate area of the park, with construction of concrete bowls and other skater favorites expected to proceed from mid-November through about half of February, said David Parsons, director of planning and projects for the City of Port Aransas. The target opening date is Feb. 15, Parsons said.

A large concrete slab for roller skating already is a feature at the park. Pickup in-line hockey games sometimes are played, especially on Sunday afternoons.

To get to the park from the ferry landing, turn right onto Cut-off Road, then another right on Ross Avenue. The park’s address is 700 Clark Parkway.

The park’s pool offers lounge chairs and benches, shade, showers, lockers, and poolside cubbyholes where you can keep your towel and shoes safe.

Vending machines line a shaded picnic area.

The pool is heated in the winter. From Nov. 1 to Feb. 28, the pool’s schedule will go like this:

• Open swim, 1-2 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturday.

• Lap swim shared time is 8:30 a.m. to closing time Tuesday to Friday and 1 p.m. to closing time Saturday.

• Lap swim-only time is noon to 1 p.m. Saturday.

• Water exercise class, 8:30-9:30 a.m., 9:30-10:30 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday to Friday.

• The pool is closed Sundays and Mondays. Holiday closings will be Nov. 26 and Dec. 24-31.

Adult swim lessons are available on request. The city Parks and Recreation Department oversees operations, includ- ing the pool operation. The department’s phone number is 749-4158. The pool phone number is 749-2416.

Swimmers under 2 years old are admitted free. Swimmers who are in the age bracket between 2 and 18 are admitted for $1; 19 to 59 years are charged $2 admission; and those who are 60 and older are charged $1.

The park also contains a jogging trail, three ball fields, a soccer field, play area and picnic pavilion. The jogging trail, for running or walking, is pet friendly. There are pet stations around the park to discard man’s best friend’s outdoor deposits.

The long trail is a 1.1-mile course. The short trail is just under a half-mile long.

A tee-ball field lies next to the two baseball fields. These fields are used for Little League and high school baseball games. A concession stand and separate restrooms are located next to the fields.

The larger baseball field doubles as a soccer field.

For more information on the park’s activities, events and facilities go to www.cityofportaransas.org.