Wednesday, May 12, 2004

Skate park given final nod

Ketchum P&Z approves project design

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By GREGORY FOLEY
Express Staff Writer

A plan to build a new state-of-the-art skateboard park in Ketchum got a final nod of approval from the city this week.

In a unanimous vote Monday, May 10, Ketchum Planning and Zoning commissioners approved the design of a proposed $253,000 reconstruction of the city’s Guy Coles Skate Park.

Graphic courtesy of city of Ketchum

Kirk Mason, Ketchum parks and recreation director, said construction of the project is slated to start July 1.

Financing for the new park was solidified in April, when the Ketchum City Council approved a plan for the city to assume a five-year, $150,000 loan to put towards construction costs. The city loan, with interest, could ultimately cost taxpayers approximately $165,000.

Additional funding for the project is expected to come from an ad-hoc group of project supporters and possibly from a city account set aside for a proposed teen center.

Ketchum Parks and Recreation Director Kirk Mason on March 1 first proposed a new park that includes two concrete bowl features, one with an hourglass shape and another with an irregular-square shape.

Mason on Monday said the design includes areas for beginning, intermediate and advanced skateboarders.

The plans for the site, located at the corner of Warm Springs and Saddle roads, also include installation of new landscaping and picnic tables.

"Down the road, we will put a rest room in there," Mason said.

Mason has arranged for Oregon-based Dreamland Skateparks—which participated in the design process—to manage construction of the facility. Dreamland Skateparks in 2002 managed construction of a new skate park in Hailey.

It has been estimated the project will take approximately six weeks to complete.

Guy Coles Skate Park currently comprises removable skateboarding structures and features. It is located on city property.

Mason on Monday said some of the park’s existing structures will be moved to an alternate location for use during construction of the new park. The structures will likely be moved to the city Park and Ride Lot, located across the street from the Guy Coles site, Mason said.

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