#2 Discuss & possible action on skateboard park
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE MEMORANDUM
November 25, 2009
TO: City Council
FROM:Thomas E. Malone, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: Update on Skate Park Efforts
Request
Based on discussions with the Chair of the Skateboard Park Fundraising effort, the City
Manager placed this item on the agenda to provide the City Council an update.
City Manager Recommendation
The City Council may want to consider two issues related to this project.
1. The City Council may want to consider whether to reaffirm its position on the
location of the skateboard park.
2. Mr. Streich is requesting that the Council consider whether to put funds toward
this project. I recommend if funds would be dedicated to the project the Council
take action to commit specified fund pending a certain dollar amount be raised. I
would recommend committing $50,000 if $250,000 is raised by December 31,
2010.
Background
The effort to build a skate park began in early 2003 when a group led by Mr. Roger
Streich began meeting on a regular basis. The cost for such a facility is estimated
between $300,000 and $400,000.
In February 2005 the Leisure Services Advisory Committee analyzed various possible
locations for a Skate Park and ultimately recommended that such a facility be
constructed near Lions Beach at the Southwest corner of Palmer Drive and South Main
Street. On the regular scheduled City Council meeting on April 11, 2005 the Council
voted on the Leisure Services Advisory Committee’s recommendation. The measure
failed and a new motion was made and passed to locate the skate park on Palmer
Drive. A public hearing was held and the City Council selected the current Palmer Park
location as the preferred site.
Since this time period there have been several fund raising efforts by the group as well
as meetings and discussions with the City on where the park should be located.
Supporters of the skate park believe that having a set site will make donating seem
more attractive, as opposed to having no specified spot available.
Currently there is a total of $25,906 in private funds raised for the Skateboard Park
facility effort. There has been support in the past from multiple community groups to
have a skate park built. At this time Mr. Streich has indicated he believes that public
dollars are necessary to supplement donations in order to raise enough money for the
park.
Attached is a letter from Mr. Streich, who will also be available to answer any questions
from the Council.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
CC:
Eric Levitt, City Manager
Jacob J. Winzenz, Assistant City Manager/Director of Administrative Services