Wednesday, June 30, 2004

Ketchum poised to rebuild skate park

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By GREGORY FOLEY
Express Staff Writer

Ketchum City Council members Monday, June 28, issued permission to Mayor Ed Simon to proceed with a $253,000 reconstruction of Guy Coles Skate Park.

Council members voted unanimously to allow the mayor to sign a contract with Oregon-based Dreamland Skateparks—which participated in the design process—to manage construction of the new facility.

Simon said Tuesday that he anticipates construction will commence soon.

"I would certainly like to get it started in July," he said. "We want to get it done as quickly as possible."

The mayor Tuesday afternoon had not yet finalized the contract with Dreamland Skateparks.

Financing for the new park was solidified in April, when the City Council approved a plan for the city to assume a five-year, $150,000 loan to put towards construction costs.

Additional funding for the project is expected to come from an ad-hoc group of project supporters.

The planned park includes two concrete bowl features designed for use by beginner, 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.

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.

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