Ann Arbor Skatepark update: Committee to choose between two California-based design firms
Two California-based design firms are being considered as plans to construct a skatepark on Ann Arbor's west side move closer to becoming a reality.
Representatives from the City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Services, Friends of Ann Arbor Skatepark and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation as well as a Park Advisory Commission member reviewed six proposals from consultants in the United States and Canada to design a skatepark in Veterans Memorial Park.
The committee met earlier this week and chose two consultants to interview: Wormhoudt Inc. and Wally Holiday Skateparks.
"Both companies are based in California and each have more than 30 years of experience designing and constructing skateparks," the city said in a news release. "The firms have reputations among skateboarders as being two of the best designers in the industry."
Interviews are being scheduled, after which a recommendation will be made as to which firm will be awarded a contract for the design and construction oversight of the skatepark project.
After the contract is awarded, public workshops will be held to obtain design feedback from the community. Construction is tentatively scheduled for spring/summer of 2013.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
Veracity
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 2:40 a.m.
What about liability? The City will likely be liable for injuries incurred by using the skateboard park if the City leases the land while maintaining ownership. To minimize liability risks the City needs to assure that the skatepark is used safely. The skatepark should be fenced and have a lockable gate. The skatepark should be open for use only when trained adult supervisors are present on the site. Safety equipment including helmets, knee pads, elbow pads and shoes should be required of all users. Supervisors should prevent risky behavior, anti-social behavior and assure the use of safety equipment. The supervisor should have the responsibility of limiting the number of users if crowding should occur and to eject users who do not follow the rules. Wavers of liability can be required of all users and parental signatures provided for minors. An ancillary question is how the City will finance the safety effort, including paying for supervisors and proper maintenance? Because waver of liability may not completely prevent suits for injuries the City should consider buying liability insurance specifically to cover the skatepark. For information about insuring skateparks and limiting liability please read the article, entitled "Extreme Sports Put Skate parks in the LIABILITY SPOTLIGHT," by Stefani Mingo on July 10, 2000 at http://www.insurancejournal.com/magazines/features/2000/07/10/21518.htm. Here is a pertinent paragraph from the publication: "Another requirement of K&K is that all participants wear the proper protective gear-elbow pads, knee pads and a helmet. And whether indoor or outdoor, the skateparks that K&K insures all need to be supervised. "If they are outdoor facilities, we like them to be fenced in or have some sort of procedure in place for after hours," Coolman said."
Veracity
Tue, May 22, 2012 : 2:25 a.m.
Construction Funding and Usage Issues: The projected cost for constructing the skatepark as designed is $1 million of which, as I understand, the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark has collected or has promised contributions of $800,000. (County Commissioners are willing to match up to $400,000 donated with TAXPAYER MONEY for the project.) Will City Council attempt to cover the $200,000 shortfall in cash commitment by using money from the general fund? How will City Council do this? Another issue I have with construction of the skatepark is that as few as 500 youths may use the facility, as projected by using a usage survey from 2005 posted on the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark website (http://a2skatepark.org/about-us). And these youths may not have an easy time getting to Veterans Memorial Park if they do not live close by since few will be able to drive or have access to a vehicle and using a bus may be too inconvenient for them. Spending a million dollars so a few enthusiasts can use the skatepark is not financially justifiable. The money could be better used for funding more services and shelter for the poor and indigent citizens in Ann Arbor.
Unusual Suspect
Fri, May 18, 2012 : 11:55 a.m.
Is money being budgeted for graffiti cleanup at the park? Two of the board-heads I know, and I don't know many, are criminal graffitists. There seems to be a fairly solid connection between the two activities. I know, "graffitist" isn't a word, but I refuse to use the word "artist."
avida2reader
Fri, May 18, 2012 : 7:13 p.m.
Call them 'taggers' unless they actually paint something other than letters or a tag.
Machine
Fri, May 18, 2012 : 4:44 a.m.
Nobody in Michigan can do the job? I hate to see local taxpayer money going out of state for something like this.
A2comments
Fri, May 18, 2012 : 10:56 a.m.
Probably not with the lengthy experience cited for these two firms. Not surprising that California is where the expertise is. Dude!
simone66
Fri, May 18, 2012 : 2:44 a.m.
I've seen the skatepark section at Venice Beach in California, and it's very exciting as a spectator, and incredibly awesome for the actual skateboarders. I can't wait to see A2's skatepark.
alterego
Fri, May 18, 2012 : 1:13 a.m.
I'm sure that these firms are professionals and will take all factors into consideration. But while it's on my mind, I need to air my concerns about Michigan winter with constant melting and freezing of water, humid summer heat with fast and deep rain. I'd hate for all the work to chip and crack within a couple of years or water pooling up in the summer with no place to go because of drains clogged by oak catkins.
Ron Granger
Thu, May 17, 2012 : 11:36 p.m.
I am so totally stoked for the gnarlyness of this park. I just hope I don't need to put fenders on my board to keep the rogue dog poop from kicking up.