Ketchum plans $250,000 skate
park
Facility could be built this
summer
By GREGORY FOLEY
Express Staff Writer
Ketchum residents could soon have
access to a state-of-the-art skateboard park comparable to one opened
last year in Hailey.
Kirk Mason, Ketchum Parks and
Recreation director, issued a plan to the Ketchum City Council Monday,
March 1, for the city to undertake a $250,000 reconstruction of the Guy
Coles Skate Park.
Kirk Mason, Ketchum Parks and
Recreation director, presents a conceptual plan Monday for an
approximately $250,000 upgrade to the city’s Guy Coles Skate Park.
Express photo by Willy Cook
City Council members did not vote
on the proposal Monday but informally agreed to allow city staff to
refine the plan and research funding options.
Guy Coles Skate Park is located at
the intersection of Warm Springs and Saddle Roads. The seasonal facility
is currently composed of temporary structures and features.
Mason on Monday presented a
project called "Complete the Vision," a plan to completely remodel the
park into a facility that will rival the premier skateboard venues in
the West.
Mason said the new Ketchum park is
designed to cater more to "intermediate" skateboarders than the Hailey
Skatepark, an advanced-level skateboard facility that was christened in
2003.
"We decided we definitely want to
be different from Hailey," Mason said.
The proposed park includes two
concrete bowl features, one with an hourglass shape and another with an
irregular-square shape. A bridge would link the two features.
The plan also calls for enhancing
the landscaping of the site.
Mason said he would like to
contract with Oregon-based Dreamland Skateparks—which participated in
the design—to oversee construction of the facility this summer.
Dreamland Skateparks was a key partner in the development of the Hailey
Skatepark.
Mason said a temporary skate park
off the site of the Guy Coles property could be erected for use this
summer. The reconstruction project would take "three or four months" to
complete, he said.
Mason noted that he believes the
park could serve as an attraction for tourists.
"Skate parks are becoming a
destination-type activity," he said. "I think it will be very attractive
to families."
A contingent of project supporters
has established a $30,000 reserve account to help defray the $250,000
cost, Mason said.
"All our stars are in alignment at
the moment," he told the council.
Councilwoman Terry Tracy, Mason’s
predecessor as parks and recreation director, said she would like to
ensure that the project includes permanent restroom facilities.
Other council members agreed with
Tracy and Mayor Ed Simon that the plans should be brought before the
Ketchum Planning and Zoning Commission.
Eric Herringer, a Boise-based
representative of Seattle-Northwest Securities Corporation, said the
city would likely be able to finance a $150,000 loan for the project
that would require payment of a mere $15,000 interest over five years.
Mason said he would bring the plan
before city planners and the P&Z in the coming weeks.