More than a pipe dream

Turning Ruston’s old municipal pool into a state-of-the-art skatepark has proven to be a tougher trick than supporters originally planned.

But the grind to turn this halfpipe dream into a reality continues, and a newly announced $50,000 grant from T- Mobile brings the project one step closer.

The wireless giant last week named Ruston among 25 cities across the country that will receive its latest round of Hometown Grants, aimed at kickstarting local development projects that enhance communities.

“We are thrilled about the new skatepark, and we can’t thank T-Mobile enough for their support,” Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker said in a press release from T- Mobile. “ This project will provide a much- needed outlet for physical activity and creativity, fostering a healthier and more vibrant community for our youth.”

A public-private partnership between the city and a nonprofit group of local enthusiasts, the skatepark project was first proposed in 2016 and then revived during the 2020 COVID-19 shutdown.

Located at the old pool site on Memorial Drive, the facility would be the only concrete skatepark within at least 150 miles. Organizers hope it would draw interest from across the I-20 corridor and hold regional events and competitions, in addition to promoting healthy activity as well as the arts in the local community.

The city would own and operate the park.

After years of fundraising — including a donation from Tony Hawk, the world’s most famous skater — it seemed the project was ready to move forward.

Lincoln Parish's tourism agency kicked in $100,000, and the city received a $125,000 allocation from the state Legislature for the facility as well.

Ruston’s Board of Aldermen voted in the spring of 2023 to hire New Line Skateparks as project designer, and in the fall the Friends of the Ruston Skatepark group held a series of interest meetings to gather community feedback and refine the design.

But as materials costs continue to soar, construction quotes came in over budget.

“We’re trying to stay the course, even if it means a little bit of extra fundraising,” Friends of the Ruston Skatepark Marketing Coordinator Kacey Richard said Monday.

That’s where grants like T-Mobile’s come in, as organizers are hoping to stir up investment from beyond the local community to push the project over the finish line.

T-Mobile has provided more than $13 million in Hometown Grants since kicking off a five-year commitment to small towns and rural communities in 2021.

Ruston is the second Louisiana city selected after Hammond received a grant to add a PA system to a local sports park.

“It’s an honor for our community to get national recognition for a project our board is extremely passionate about,” Richard said. “Our mission this whole time has been to provide a place that’s accessible and opens the doors for affordable recreation. We’re happy that’s getting some attention.”