From Brian Spencer Campaign:
City Councilman Brian Spencer, a vocal supporter of a proposed skate park at the Hollice T. Williams Park since 2015, was surprised yesterday to read in a news release that he has sat “on the sidelines and even threatened to ban skateboarding” in Pensacola. Equally surprised was Jon Shell, the founder of Upward Intuition who originally proposed the skate park three years ago and has since raised nearly half a million dollars towards the project cost.
“There were many who didn’t want to take this project seriously when the idea was initially brought forth, but Brian listened and engaged from the very beginning and has been a staunch advocate ever since,” said Shell, who said Spencer’s support included videotaping successful skate parks while traveling in other cities, and providing the footage for Shell to use in his quest for support and funding.
The proposed skate park would occupy one city block at the planned Hollice T. Williams Park and stretch the length of the I-10 overpass. Four separate focus groups listed a skate park as the number one priority for capital improvement projects for city parks in a 2016 needs assessment for the Pensacola City Parks and Recreation Dept.
When Shell proposed the skate park in 2015, Spencer began attending visioning workshops and as recently as this week was speaking out in support of the skate park in City Council chambers.
“I am fully committed to this important, long overdue project and challenge any statements being made to the contrary,” said Spencer, whose career and mayoral platform alike reflect his long-time commitment to creating diverse outdoor public spaces such as the skate park that Shell envisions.
