Casper, Wyo. – The City of Casper is moving forward with a major recreation project that could put the city on the map as a regional hub for skate‑boarding and mountain‑biking. City staff will apply for up to $1.75 million in grant funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, with administration of any award handled by the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.
Project scope and funding
Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Director Zulima Lopez explained that the original grant request was for $1.25 million, but a later review identified additional funding opportunities, raising the total grant request to $1.75 million. The grant would cover the first phase of a $3.5 million All‑Wheels Park, a comprehensive facility that combines a concrete skate park, an asphalt pump track, a skills course, a bicycle playground and supporting amenities.
Design for all skill levels
Lopez said the design team created the park to serve beginners through advanced riders, offering year‑round opportunities that complement the seasonal options on Casper Mountain. The Central Wyoming Trails Alliance, represented by director Austin Burgess, highlighted that the skate‑park component alone will span roughly 15,000 square feet and feature bowls, spines and rails.
“It really started to blossom from the idea of just doing a pump track and mountain‑bike jump trails into what the plan is now, which is a true all‑wheels park complete with a skate park, a paved pump track, paved jump lines, a paved skills area and a paved kids’ bike playground,” Burgess told Oil City News in April.
Community input and next steps
During a recent council meeting, Councilor Pat Sweeney asked whether planners had consulted the local skate community after earlier criticism of the proposal. Lopez confirmed that the city has been in ongoing dialogue with skaters and will continue to engage them as the project moves forward. She noted that a design‑phase survey collected over 300 responses, with the Skate Park and Youth Center leading the feedback.
“When the design was completed, we surveyed and had over 300 responses. At that time, 307 Skate Park and Youth Center led it,” Lopez said.
Contingency planning
Lopez cautioned that Phase I construction will only proceed as outlined if the grant is approved. Should the application be denied, the city will explore alternative funding sources to keep the project alive, though the scope may be adjusted.
Why the park matters to Casper families
The All‑Wheels Park aligns with Casper’s commitment to providing safe, family‑friendly recreation that supports healthy lifestyles and community cohesion. By offering a dedicated space for skate‑boarding, BMX, and mountain‑biking, the city hopes to attract regional visitors while giving local youth a constructive outlet for physical activity.
City officials anticipate that the park will generate modest economic benefits for nearby businesses, especially during events and competitions that could draw participants from across central Wyoming.
Looking ahead
The grant application is expected to be submitted in the coming weeks. Residents can stay informed through city council updates and public meetings, where additional details on design, timelines and potential partnerships will be shared.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
