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Superior awards $1.012 million contract to rebuild Heritage skate park, using ARPA funds
Summary
The council approved a $1,012,000 contract with Gridline Skateparks to replace the deteriorating Heritage skate park, front-loading the project's CIP and using federal ARPA funds to complete Phase 1 this year.
The Superior Common Council on May 6 approved awarding a $1,012,000 contract to Gridline Skateparks to rebuild the Heritage skate park, with funding routed through the parks capital-improvement program and federal ARPA dollars.
Parks and Recreation reported an inspection showing severe deterioration at the existing skate park: rotted boards, failing supports, and temporary repairs totaling about $15,000 described by staff as “band-aids.” The parks superintendent told the Parks and Recreation Commission that if the facility is not rebuilt soon, the skate park could be closed next summer. The commission recommended front-loading the skate park CIP and completing construction by fall of 2025.
Council members debated long-term use, lifespan and regional draw during the item. Some members said the activity has grown (now an Olympic sport) and that the site attracts users from Duluth and beyond; others asked for usage data and lifecycle projections. Parks staff said the replacement will use more durable materials (concrete instead of the previous wood/fiber product), which should extend the facility’s service life compared with the original structure.
The motion to award the full contract to Gridline Skateparks was made by Councilor LaDeen and seconded by Councilor Ludwig; the council approved the motion by voice vote. City parks staff said there are no changes to other park CIP projects for 2025–2028 and that Phase 1 will be funded now to avoid closure and complete the project this year.
Background: The project is funded in part from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars allocated to parks; the council approved awarding a full design-and-build contract rather than piecemeal repairs to limit future maintenance and closure risk.
