Allen Goes Extreme

Provided by Shawn Mosley, Marketing Coordinator, Allen Parks and Recreation
Ph 214-509-4708; email: smosley@cityofallen.org

Recognizing the ever changing landscape of sport, the City of Allen began additions to the south end of its pre-existing Allen Station Park in 2004. Plans included a concrete skate park, two roller-hockey rinks, BMX track and youth center. As construction progressed and community interest grew, it became evident that this project would keep Allen at the forefront of recreational offerings. The stage is now set as the city will unveil “The Edge at Allen Station Park” on June 4. The event will be the public’s first look at extreme sports done the City of Allen way.

Skate Park

The skate park was designed and built by Site Design Group from Tempe, AZ, one of the premier skate park design companies in the country. The structure spans 37,915 sq. ft, and is the largest in the state of Texas. Street fixtures such as stairs with handrails to "ollie on to", boxes, rails, ledges, a "picnic table" (not for picnicking) are what make this park so unique. The grounds are lighted and also contain a wide variety of bowls and transitions ranging from 6' - 9 ½' deep, steel coping throughout for grinding and a large amount of bank slope areas for beginners to practice on. The skate park is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is free to all users, though certain fees may apply during special events, clinics or classes. To ensure safety, a call-box is located on the west side of the park and directly connects to emergency dispatch.

BMX Track

This track is 900 ft. of twist, turns and fun. The "U" inside the "V" layout design guarantees a natural flow into the first corner. A rhythm section from corner to corner in the third straight away and 10 different jumps to complete add to the excitement. The feature section of the lighted track is the second corner where a slope was created from the highest point of the track to ground level so that riders will turn while going downhill. The first straight away consists of a double, roller, and table step up to a step up; the second straightaway consists of a double, triple and a huge step up with three consecutive doubles in the fourth straight away to finish out the track. There are no fees for the BMX track at this time, but may become applicable for practices and races if the track becomes a sanctioned facility. Hours of operation are Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. to dusk.

In Line Hockey Rinks

This element of Allen Station Park has two full size hockey rinks suitable for adult and youth play, covered spectator seating in addition to team and scorer's boxes. Both rinks are lighted and during hours of operation, the Allen Sports Association has priority use of this facility for league play and practices during hockey season. Hockey rinks may also be rented for private use as available. Except during league play, one rink will always be available for open skating and individual practice. There is no charge for open use of the rinks and they are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Youth Center

Perhaps the most highly anticipated facility in Allen Station Park is the 4000 sq. ft. youth center complete with media room, computer lab, game room and snack bar. Equipped with 12 computers in addition to a printer and software, the computer lab was outfitted through a generous donation from the Kiwanis Club of Allen. The media room consists of five televisions, including one wide screen television for watching movies, music videos and sports. Play Station and X Box systems will be available for use on the four smaller televisions. The game room is equipped with a projection screen and four 27-inch televisions, in addition to ping pong and pool tables. This supervised facility is open to youth ages 10-17 or up to 18 years if still in high school. Membership cards are required for admittance into the youth center. Because this is a youth/teen oriented facility, younger children or adults will not be permitted access to the facility beyond picking up their child. However, periodic family days will be planned where members may bring in their adult guests and siblings to participate in activities. Hours of operation are as follows:

Summer Hours of Operation

Monday - Saturday, 12 p.m. - 8p.m
Sunday, 1 - 6 p.m.

School Year Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday, 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday, 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday 1 - 6 p.m.

* The youth center will open at noon during school holidays.

For rules and regulations of all the facilities mentioned above, call 214-509-4700 or visit www.allenparks.org.