Here’s some news that’s got us genuinely excited at the shop – and not just because we’ll probably see more kids with helmet hair coming in for trims! At Tuesday’s meeting, the Sarasota County Commission gave the green light to explore building a “world-class” skatepark near Venice and Osprey.

Finally, Something for the Kids!

What do we often hear from parents sitting in our chairs? “There’s nothing for my kids to do around here.” Well, that might be about to change in a big way. The county’s 2025 Community Needs Survey showed strong support for non-traditional sports activities like skateparks, rollerblading, and roller-skating.

And honestly, it’s about time. Venice has beautiful beaches and great golf courses, but if you’re a 13-year-old who’s not into surfing or fishing, your options have been pretty limited.

More Than Just a Skatepark

The fact that they’re talking about making this “world-class” tells us they’re not planning some basic concrete slab with a few ramps. We’re talking about a facility that could attract kids from all over Southwest Florida, maybe even hosting competitions and events.

Think about what that could mean for local businesses – more families coming to the area, more kids getting haircuts before big skateboarding events, more parents grabbing lunch while their kids practice tricks.

Building Community Through Sports

One of our regular clients, whose teenage son has been driving to skateparks in Bradenton and Tampa, put it perfectly: “Finally, something that’ll keep kids engaged and active right here in our backyard.”

There’s something to be said for giving young people a place where they can challenge themselves, build confidence, and connect with other kids who share their interests. Skateparks aren’t just about the skating – they’re about community.

Perfect Timing

With all the growth happening in Venice and Osprey, this skatepark couldn’t come at a better time. Young families are moving to the area, and they’re looking for activities that’ll keep their kids engaged and out of trouble.

Plus, with concerns about kids spending too much time on screens, having an outdoor activity that’s actually cool enough to pull them away from their phones is a win for everyone.

The Economic Boost

Beyond the obvious benefits for families, this kind of facility can be a real economic driver. Quality skateparks attract visitors from surrounding areas, which means more people stopping for gas, grabbing meals, and yes getting haircuts while they’re in town.

We’ve seen what happens when Venice gets quality recreational facilities. Look at how the sports complexes and youth programs have brought families to the area. A world-class skatepark could do the same thing.

Safety First

The beauty of having a proper, county-run skatepark is that it’s designed with safety in mind. Professional design, proper surfaces, and appropriate supervision means parents can feel good about letting their kids participate.

No more worrying about kids skateboarding in parking lots or on busy streets. They’ll have a dedicated space built specifically for what they want to do.

Something for Everyone

The survey mentioned support for rollerblading and roller-skating too, which means this isn’t just for hardcore skateboarders. It’s for anyone who wants to roll around and have fun – from little kids just learning to balance to adults looking for a fun way to exercise.

Looking Forward

This is still in the exploration phase, so there’s work to be done on location, design, and funding. But the fact that the County Commission is moving forward with this idea shows they’re listening to what families actually want.

As parents and grandparents have been telling us for years, Venice needs more activities for young people. A world-class skatepark near Venice and Osprey could be exactly what this community has been missing.

The Bigger Picture

This skatepark represents something larger – a recognition that our community is changing and growing, and we need to provide activities that appeal to all ages and interests. It’s about creating a place where families want to live and kids want to grow up.

Next time you’re in for a trim, we’ll probably have more updates on how this project develops. But for now, we’re just excited that someone finally listened to what kids and families have been asking for.

Who knows? Maybe we’ll start offering “pre-competition” haircuts for all the young skaters getting ready for their big moment!