Credit – St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks
LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — After years of community meetings and planning, construction on renovations at Nicolet Skatepark has officially begun as of February 4, 2025. The skatepark will remain closed during the process, St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks announced.
The project, funded under the FY 2024 budget, is part of a broader effort to enhance local recreational facilities. Artisan Skateparks and Pillar Design Studios were selected to lead the renovations following a thorough review of multiple vendors. Both companies bring over two decades of experience in custom skatepark construction, with completed projects across Maryland, Virginia, and beyond.
“We’re almost there,” said Arthur Sheppard, director of Recreation and Parks, during a recent community meeting. “For those of you who’ve been with us for two to three years discussing improvements and new designs, I couldn’t be more pleased with where we are.”
The plans include partial renovations to Nicolet’s existing 12,000 square feet and an expansion along Bunker Hill Drive. A key focus is balancing the park’s current transition-heavy features with more street-style elements, addressing a long-standing request from the local skating community. Modifications will also improve safety and flow, including a redesign of the park’s large spine, which has been cited for visibility concerns.
In addition to Nicolet, three new designs were presented for a skatepark at Chaptico Park, with plans to begin construction on both sites simultaneously. The designs reflect community feedback gathered from multiple public meetings, including outdoor sessions at Nicolet, discussions at the new gymnastics center, and recent virtual calls.
“We’re excited to partner with St. Mary’s County to create parks that future generations can enjoy,” said Brad Solecki, owner of Pillar Design Studios. “Our goal is to make these parks accessible for all skill levels while incorporating features the community has specifically asked for.”
For updates, renovation plans, and the construction timeline, visit /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SkateParkOverview.pdf.
Location map, visit: /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RPcountymap.pdf
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