Hilton Head plans renovations to local skate park. Here’s what will be added

A Hilton Head skate park is set to receive a makeover, and a bicycle pump track.

The Town of Hilton Head Planning Commission will review a project plan for the pre-existing skate park and new bicycle pump track in Crossings Park Wednesday. The project seeks to renovate the skate park and add the pump track nearby. It’s all part of the Crossing Park Master Plan, which calls for expansion of the park’s amenities. Crossings Park is one of Hilton Head’s “primary community athletic and recreational destinations,” according to the project plan.

But what is a bicycle pump track, and what’s coming to the skate park?

What’s a pump track?

A bicycle pump track is an enclosed course of rollers and berms, according to pump track manufacturer PARKITECT AG. Pump tracks are designed to be ridden without having to pedal or push yourself, but instead use a pumping motion on your bicycle to maintain momentum. Pump tracks can be ridden using a bicycle, scooter, skate board or any other wheeled sports equipment.

Crossing Park’s pump track will follow the same design. It will have a wall-ride section and a viewing plaza for spectators, according to the project plan. The track will use the natural topography of the park and be designed for people of varying age and ability to use.

The pump track is planned to sit just below a future ball field north of the skate park. The skate park and pump track are on the west side of the park, just off of Helmsman Way.

What’s coming to the skate park?

The current skate park is an open-space with several ramps and banks for skateboarders. The planned renovation will reshape the park, adding modern skating infrastructure, safety improvements, landscaping and more, according to the project plan.

The project would add these skateboarding features to the park:

• Fun boxes
• A hip bank
• Kicker gaps
• An A-frame
• More banks
• Stairs with a rail
• A quarter pipe
• A half pipe

A landscaped area will be added to the center of the park with trees and plants, according to a rendering. More lighting, improved stormwater infrastructure and updated riding surfaces are included in the renovation to improve safety. The plan also includes a picnic shelter adjacent to the skate park.

Wednesday’s Planning Commission meeting is open to the public. It can be attended in-person at 1 Town Center Court or watched online on the Town of Hilton Head YouTube channel.