Grass Valley Skatepark Coalition urges city council to halt park demolition plans

The Grass Valley City Council meeting on May 14, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding the future of the local skate park, driven by community concerns and proposals for its development. The meeting highlighted the voices of local advocates, including Hocking, founder of the Grass Valley Skatepark Coalition, who expressed gratitude to the council for their involvement in the skate park project and emphasized the need for community representation in future decisions.

Hocking articulated the coalition's mission to represent underrepresented voices in the skateboarding community and to address the emotional divide surrounding the skate park's future. He advocated for the expansion of recreational areas for youth, noting that other local parks have seen increases in size and facilities. Hocking raised concerns about the lack of maintenance and improvements at the skate park over the past 25 years, questioning the council's commitment to future enhancements. He urged the council to halt any demolition plans and consider a dual park project to better serve the community's needs.

Cynthia Duncan, another local resident and skateboarder, echoed these sentiments, sharing her personal experiences and safety concerns regarding the proposed new design of the skate park. She argued that the design would hinder skill development for novice skaters and increase the risk of collisions due to its smaller size. Duncan, along with her husband, initiated a petition aimed at preserving and enhancing the skate park without closing it, further demonstrating the community's commitment to maintaining this vital recreational space.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the community's desire for a collaborative approach to the skate park's future, highlighting the importance of addressing both safety and accessibility for all skill levels. As the council considers the feedback from local advocates, the outcome of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Grass Valley Skate Park.