Kevin Bell Skatepark
The Kevin Bell Skatepark has been a much-enjoyed amenity by residents and visitors alike since it first opened in April of 2000. At the park's 15th Anniversary in April of 2015, it was rededicated in honor of the late Kevin Bell, who worked tirelessly to help establish the park initially. Following the Skatepark's destruction during Hurricane Isaias in August 2020, the Town began a rebuilding effort to design and construct a completely new, premiere-level facility, which opened in March 2023.
The Kevin Bell Skatepark provides recreation opportunities for skateboards, in-line skates, and BMX style bikes (pegs not allowed). Participants ages 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.
Skatepark Location & Rules
The Kevin Bell Skatepark is part of the Middle Park Complex, and is located at the intersection of SE 49th Street & E Dolphin Drive, beside the Oak Island Water Rescue Station.
The Skatepark provides fun and exciting physical activity for users of all ages and skill levels. To ensure a safe environment for all, please adhere to the following rules when using the Skatepark:

- Only skater / skateboarders / bicyclists are allowed on the skating surface area
- All users must wear proper protective equipment
- All users should visually inspect the ramps and park features prior to use
- Avoid use when park surfaces are wet, icy, damaged, or otherwise appear unsafe
- Only non-motorized equipment is allowed within the park. No pegs on BMX bikes
- No one under the age of 12 is allowed in the park unless under direct adult supervision.
- No additional equipment may be brought into the park.
- Spectators are not allowed on the skating surface area
- No food, beverages, alcohol, tobacco, or vaping products are allowed on the park premises
- Modifications may not be made to the park features
- No fighting or disruptive behavior is allowed on park grounds
- Vandalism, including the placement of stickers, decals, and / or graffiti is illegal - VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED.
- IN CASE OF SEVERE INJURY
- Do not move the injured person
- All skating shall cease immediately
- Dial 9-1-1
Please report any observed damage or irregularity in the park to the Town Manager. All events, lessons, and organized activities require written permission from the Town of Oak Island.
Phone: 910-278-5011 • Email: Info@oakIslandnc.gov
Hurricane Isaias Destruction & Skatepark Rebuild Project
In August 2020, the park sustained extensive damage during Hurricane Isaias. As a result, it was deemed unrepairable and all park features were demolished. In June 2021, the Oak Island Town Council approved $300,000 for the Skatepark’s reconstruction, and in December of that year, awarded the contract for design, construction and project management to Artisan Concrete Services, Inc., (dba Artisan Skateparks, Inc.).
After holding TWO public input sessions, the new design was finalized in the late summer of 2022, with construction beginning in October. Once Pillar Designs completed the concrete work, Public Services staff from the Town took over, upgrading the perimeter landscaping and completely redesigning the parking lot and sidewalk areas. Throughout the project, construction remained on schedule, reaching the goal of a March 2023 opening date.
Rebuild Project Timeline & Funding Statement
2020 - 2023 Rebuild Project
Rebuild Project Timeline
- March 18, 2023: Grand Reopening event held and skatepark officially returned to operation!
- February 2023: Crews have completed the concrete and fabrication work. Additional site work remains.
- January 2023: Crews have completed basic forming of skatepark features
- December 2022: Crews had completed most foundation work
- November 30, 2022: Construction crews are working onsite and preparing the park for concrete work
- November 22, 2022: Construction crews arrived and began site preparations just prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, including the construction of forms for new park features
- September 2022: A construction timeline was announced during the Town Council Meeting
- June 2022: The Second Public Input Meeting was held on Thursday, June 23, 2022, to receive final public input on development
- January 2022: The First Public Input Meeting was held on Thursday, January 20, 2022, to consider initial public input for the new skatepark design
- December 2021: Pillar Design & Artisan Skateparks awarded contract for new park construction
- November 2021: Pillar Design awarded bid for new park design
- October 2021: Skatepark Design bids are presented to Town Council
- September 2021: Skatepark Project design is put out for public bid
- August 2021: Following public input, Town Council approves traditional skatepark replacement, with possible future expansion for pump track
- June 2021: Town council approves FY 2022-23 Budget, to include $300,000 for skatepark replacement.
- May 2021: Budget workshops identify funds to build entirely new skatepark
- April 2021: Public discussion on creating a new "pump track" or traditional skatepark
- February 2021: Analysis performed on new skatepark site
- December 2020: Skatepark property assessed for replacement viability
- September 2020: Skatepark debris torn down and removed
- August 2020: Hurricane Isaias destroys all existing skatepark structures
Funding Statement
Although private fundraising efforts to benefit the Skatepark may have been be held, the Town of Oak Island did NOT participate in, help to organize, or receive funding from any private effort. The entire $300,000 designated for the Skatepark's rebuilding, was made available through the Town's General Fund only.
Throughout the entire construction process, there were NO contributions received from any private individuals, organizations, or other fundraising efforts. Additionally, NO private solicitation efforts for Skatepark Project donations were authorized or endorsed by the Town of Oak Island.