DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas — The construction of a new skatepark at Founders Memorial Park in Dripping Springs in honor of a local teen who died in a car accident is underway following a groundbreaking ceremony, held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10.
Speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony included the following: Dripping Springs Mayor Pro Tem Taline Manassian; Dripping Springs Parks & Community Services Director Andrew Binz; Hays County Commissioner Walt Smith; Dennis Baldwin; and Ben Kweller.
Dripping Springs City Council first approved plans for the new skatepark in 2017; however, the idea has been in the works since 2014. The plaza-style skatepark, named after Dripping Springs High School Junior Dorian Zev Kweller who died in a car accident in February of 2023, will be approximately 10,000 square feet and will provide a safe space for the skating community.
Kweller was an influential member of the skateboarding community in Dripping Springs and helped fundraise for the skatepark. He could often be found at local skating areas. He was also a passionate musician, taking after his father, Ben Kweller, who is an indie-rock artist. Dorian Kweller would often bring his guitar to the skatepark and was a member of the Tiger Band. A month before his passing, Kweller had plans to perform at the South by Southwest Music Festival in March. His father decided to move forward with the show and dedicated it to Dorian with a tribute video.
With funds from the 2020 POSAC bond, the project is anticipated to be completed in the summer/fall of 2024.