Stuart Skatepark Project in Martin County, Florida Under Threat as Commissioners Seek Removal

The project has been in the works for several years and has already reached 100 percent design completion.

Skateboarders are now asking why the skatepark should be taken out of the plans after so much time and money have gone into getting it this far.

The East Stuart Skatepark Project recently asked local skaters and residents to contact the Stuart City Commissioners and speak up for keeping the facility in the park.

Years of Planning

The idea dates back to at least 2022, when a skatepark awareness event was held to bring attention to the need for a dedicated facility in East Stuart.

In 2024, the city commission approved funding for the project. Since then, the proposal has continued through the planning and design process, eventually reaching 100 percent design completion in 2026.

That makes the latest proposal particularly frustrating for supporters who have been waiting for construction to begin.

According to the project group, taking the skatepark out of the Guy Davis Park plan at this stage could also mean spending more money because the design work has already been completed.

Commissioner Calls for Funding to Be Removed

During an Aug. 24, 2026 meeting, Commissioner Merritt Matheson said he wanted the funding for the Guy Davis Park skatepark removed.

“I'd like to remove the funding for the skatepark at Guy Davis,” Matheson said. “It's not wanted by the community.”

He said he wanted the money applied to the waterway and argued that residents want the local waterways cleaned up so they can paddleboard.

The comments have led supporters of the skatepark to encourage residents to contact the commission and explain why they want the project to remain part of Guy Davis Park.

Supporters Want the Project Finished

The East Stuart Skatepark Project says local skaters have already spent years waiting for a dedicated facility.

The group also points to the growth of new skateparks across South Florida as an example of the type of public space communities can create for local riders.

For East Stuart, the proposal has already gone from an idea discussed at a 2022 awareness event to a funded project with completed designs.

Now skaters want the city to follow through with the plans that have already been developed.

They are asking residents, parents, and other community members to contact the Stuart City Commissioners and voice their support.

The project may have reached the design stage, but construction has yet to begin.

For those who have been waiting since the early planning stages, the next decision from the city could determine whether the skatepark finally gets built at Guy Davis Park.

So what are you waiting for? Make your voice heard here.