🤔 Is Jackson Finally Getting That Skatepark? 🤔

Another Cloudy Day In The HubCity But Happy Sunday To Everyone Regardless!

In Today’s “HubCity Newsletter”:

• It’s Been A Long Time Coming ⏳

• Keeping The Kids Busy & Active 💪

• The Hurdles This Project Faces 🧱

• Weekly Events For The Kids 🛝 

• Weekly Events For The Whole Family 🎡 

Read Time: 3 - 5 Minutes

With summer right around the corner, we thought this long-discussed project deserved a little more attention. For years now, Jackson residents, especially teens and younger families have asked the city for more youth-friendly spaces.

⏳ It’s Been A Long Time Coming ⏳

Talk of building a public skatepark in Jackson has been around for over a decade. Community meetings, early concept plans, even location surveys — they’ve all happened at one point or another.

But despite years of buzz, nothing has officially broken ground. That “could” finally be changing.

Last year, the city’s long-term Parks & Recreation Master Plan brought the skatepark conversation back to life. The plan includes several park upgrades and community-focused investments — and yes, a professionally designed skatepark is one of them. The current vision includes a modern concrete park with safe design standards, beginner-friendly zones, and features that appeal to both skaters and BMX riders.

The proposed location seems to be Match Point Park (Jackson Tennis Complex) but this could change. Planners have suggested that placing it near other recreational spaces would help create a “hub” for youth activity.

Bottom line? This is probably the most momentum that this project has seen so far. But community support and awareness will help keep that momentum going.

💪 Keeping The Kids Busy & Active 💪

Let’s be real — Jackson needs more safe, free spaces for young people. A skatepark might seem like just another option, but it could be a game-changer for families.

Here’s why:

• It Keeps Kids Active: Skateboarding, rollerblading, and BMX biking are all high-energy activities that promote physical health — without the cost of organized sports.

• It Keeps Them Out Of Trouble: Giving teens a dedicated place to gather and express themselves reduces the chance of them skating unsafely in parking lots, downtown sidewalks, or abandoned lots.

• It Builds Community: Skateparks often become welcoming, multi-generational spots where older skaters mentor younger ones. It’s more than ramps and rails — it’s a space where community relationships are built.

• Low Barrier To Entry: Unlike traditional team sports, skating is non-competitive and appeals to all kinds of kids — including those who feel left out of other activities.

And let’s not forget the grandparents and parents reading this — many of you are caring for grandkids this summer and looking for healthy, outdoor ways to keep them engaged. A skatepark could be that missing puzzle piece.

Plus, the growth of skateboarding as a legit sport (even making it into the Olympics!) means more cities like Jackson are taking it seriously.

🧱 The Hurdles This Project Faces 🧱

Now, let’s talk about what’s holding the skatepark back.

1. Funding
Skateparks aren’t cheap. A well-built concrete park can cost anywhere from $300,000 to $1 million, depending on size and features. While the city has discussed allocating funds, no public budget line has been finalized. There’s also the possibility of grants or private donations — but those take time and coordination.

2. Location & Noise Concerns
Some residents have pushed back over potential noise or crowd concerns, especially in residential areas. That’s why finding the right spot — likely near other public recreation zones — is key. Placing it in the middle of a neighborhood could stir opposition, but placing it near parks or schools could make it a win for everyone.

3. Lack of Public Awareness
Not everyone knows this is even being considered. That’s why talking about it now is important. The more support and interest the community shows, the more likely this project is to move from “plan” to “reality.”

So… is Jackson finally getting that skatepark?

It’s looking more likely than ever — but we’re not there yet. This summer could be a turning point. With a little community support, a boost from local leaders, and a shared focus on youth investment, this could be the year Jackson starts making progress.

P.S. — Would YOU support a skatepark in Jackson?🛹💬💥
Let us know in the poll below — your feedback helps shape the conversation.

And as always, don’t forget to support the community by checking out this week’s family-friendly events happening around town!

Monday, May 5th

Story Time 📖
Date: Monday, May 5th
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: Parents & Children Are Invited To Come Enjoy A Story, Sing, Dance, Craft & Make Friends All Under One Roof!

Tuesday, May 6th

TimeSpace 🔭
Date: Tuesday, May 6th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Wednesday, May 7th

Story Time Station 📖
Date: Wednesday, May 7th
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum
Price: Free
Ages: Preschool

Thursday, May 8th

Coding Club (Meet Fellow Programmers) 🖥️
Date: Thursday, May 8th
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: 9 Years Old & Up

Friday, May 9th

7th Annual International Festival 🌎
Date: Friday, May 9th
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: North Parkway Middle School
Price: Free Event
Additional Details: Get Ready For A Great Evening Of Fun For The Whole Family! Free Food, Games, Fun & Performances!

Saturday, May 10th

West Tennessee RC Flyers Spring Fun Fly 🛩️
Date: Saturday, May 10th
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: 205 R Deloach Road
Price: Free Admission For Spectators (Registered Pilots = $20 Landing Fee, Which Includes Lunch)
Additional Details: Bring The Family, Some Chairs, Non Alcoholic Drink, Then Sit Back & Enjoy The RC Air Show!

Teen Anime Club
Date: Saturday, May 10th
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: 13 - 19 Years Old
Additional Details: This Is Your Teens' Opportunity To Hang Out With Other Lovers Of Anime & Manga.  There Will Be Games, Crafts & So Much More!

Monday, May 5th

West Tennessee Strawberry Festival 🍓
Date: Monday, May 5th
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: 1322 E Main St
Price: Free Entry (Food & Merchandise Prices Vary)
Additional Details: We’re Bringing A Bit Of Texas To Everyone With Our “Texas Brisket Night”! Don’t Forget To Enter Our Daily Raffle For Amazing Prizes Like A Free 65’ TV, Gift Cards To Your Favorite Places Or A Playstation 5!

Story Time 📖
Date: Monday, May 5th
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: Parents & Children Are Invited To Come Enjoy A Story, Sing, Dance, Craft & Make Friends All Under One Roof!

MHDS Steak Night @ Redbones 🥩
Date: Monday, May 5th
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Redbones
Price: $8.99 6oz Steak (Every $8.99 Steak & Drink Purchase = $1 Donation)
Additional Details: Come Out & Enjoy Good Food And Supporting A Great Cause! Donations Will Go To The Mental Health & Departmental Services (MHDS)

TBDN Job Fair 👷
Date: Monday, May 5th
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Time: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: TBDN
Additional Details: Looking For A Job That Could Lead To A Career? TBDN Is Here For Multiple Positions! Be Sure To Dress Your Best, Bring Your Resume & A Good Attitude, Because You Might Be Exactly What We're Looking For! (Job Portal) 👈

Tuesday, May 6th

TimeSpace 🔭
Date: Tuesday, May 6th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Crafternoon Special 🧶
Date: Tuesday, May 6th
Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: Bring Your Kids In For A Great Crafternoon & Let Them Craft Whatever Their Hearts Desire!

Goodwill Career Solutions Job Fair 👷
Date: Tuesday, May 6th
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Goodwill South
Additional Details: Local Employers, Nonprofits and other organizations will be on site.

Wednesday, May 7th

Keto Meal Planning Class🍖
Date: Wednesday, May 7th
Time: 11:30 PM - 12:30 PM
Location: Westwood Community Center
Price: Free
Additional Details: Get Ready To Learn Recipes From A Certified Instructor/Author In Our Free Keto Planning Class!

Story Time Station 📖
Date: Wednesday, May 7th
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum
Price: Free
Ages: Preschool

2025 Career Expo 🧰
Date: Wednesday, May 7th
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM 
Location: Carl Perkins Civic Center
Additional Details: Please Dressed Professional & Bring Multiple Copies Of Your Resume. There Will Be Over 40 Employers Present With Hundreds Of Potential Jobs Available.

Thursday, May 8th

Coding Club (Meet Fellow Programmers) 🖥️
Date: Thursday, May 8th
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: 9 Years Old & Up

FHU Legacy Symphonic Wind Ensemble Concerts 🎷
Date: Thursday, May 8th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: FHU (Draughon Recital Hall)
Price: Free
Additional Details: Come Out & Celebrate The Hardworking Student Musicians As They Bring You A Wonderful Symphonic Wind Ensemble Concert Like No Other.

Thursday Adult Game Night 🎮
Date: Thursday, May 8th
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Age: (18+ Gamers Only)
Additional Details: Come Hangout & Find Your Late Night Gaming Community! This Event Is Exclusively For Gamers 18 and Older.

Friday, May 9th

Arts Backstage 2024 🖼️
Date: Friday, May 9th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: The Ned
Price: (Click For Pricing)

Moving Sale 📦
Date: Friday, May 9th
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: 62 Malesus Heights Dr
Price: Prices Vary
Additional Details: We Have A Bit Of Everything & Almost All Of It Needs To Go! There’s Yard Equipment, Furniture, Household Items, Dishes, Garage Pieces & Tons More!

TimeSpace🔭
Date: Friday, May 9th
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

7th Annual International Festival 🌎
Date: Friday, May 9th
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: North Parkway Middle School
Price: Free Event
Additional Details: Get Ready For A Great Evening Of Fun For The Whole Family! Free Food, Games, Fun & Performances!

Kids' After School Special Planetarium Show: CAPCOM GO! 🔭
Date: Friday, May 9th
Time: 3:45 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Movie Night In The Bluff 🎥
Date: Friday, May 9th
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Movie: Dream A Little Dream (PG-13)
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: The Concession Stand Will Be Open!  Nachos, Popcorn, Candy & Drinks Will All Be Available For Purchase! Please Bring Your Own Chairs & Blankets.

Saturday, May 10th

Moving Sale 📦
Date: Saturday, May 10th
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: 62 Malesus Heights Dr
Price: Prices Vary
Additional Details: We Have A Bit Of Everything & Almost All Of It Needs To Go! There’s Yard Equipment, Furniture, Household Items, Dishes, Garage Pieces & Tons More!

West Tennessee Strawberry Festival 🍓
Date: Saturday, May 10th
Time: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: 1322 E Main St
Price: Free Entry (Food & Merchandise Prices Vary)
Additional Details: If You’re A Lover Of Burgers Then Get Ready For Texas Burgers & Hot Dogs! Don’t Forget To Enter Our Daily Raffle For Amazing Prizes Like A Free 65’ TV, Gift Cards To Your Favorite Places Or A Playstation 5!

Teen Cuisine 🍳
Date: Saturday, May 10th
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Ages: 13 - 19 Years Old
Price: Free
Additional Details: Bring Your Teen To Learn Some Of The Basics In The Kitchen!

Jackson’s Pro Soccer Team Match ⚽
Date: Saturday, May 10th
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: University School of Jackson
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Additional Details: Yes, Jackson Has A Pro Soccer Team! 😂 Now Come Watch The Jackson Boom Take On Southern Indiana FC In This Local Match!

West Tennessee RC Flyers Spring Fun Fly 🛩️
Date: Saturday, May 10th
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: 205 R Deloach Road
Price: Free Admission For Spectators (Registered Pilots = $20 Landing Fee, Which Includes Lunch)
Additional Details: Bring The Family, Some Chairs, Non Alcoholic Drink, Then Sit Back & Enjoy The RC Air Show!

Teen Anime Club
Date: Saturday, May 10th
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: 13 - 19 Years Old
Additional Details: This Is Your Teens' Opportunity To Hang Out With Other Lovers Of Anime & Manga.  There Will Be Games, Crafts & So Much More!

Jackson Sports Cards & Collectibles Show ⚾
Date: Saturday, May 10th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: VFW Post 1848
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: Sports Card Dealers From All Over The Mid-South Will Be Present Displaying Cards From All Sports!

Sunday, May 11th

Moving Sale 📦
Date: Sunday, May 11th
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: 62 Malesus Heights Dr
Price: Prices Vary
Additional Details: We Have A Bit Of Everything & Almost All Of It Needs To Go! There’s Yard Equipment, Furniture, Household Items, Dishes, Garage Pieces & Tons More!

Mother’s Day Brunch ❣️
Date: Sunday, May 11th
Time: 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: DoubleTree
Price: Children Under 4 Free With Adult Purchase. Adults - ($29) Seniors - ($23) Children 4 - 10 ($16)
Additional Details:The Menu Will Consist Of Shrimp, Beef Tips, BBQ Chicken, Fried Pork Chops, Fried Fish, Omelette & Waffle Station. Plus Your Favorite Sides & Desserts!