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Longtime resident proposes downtown skate park; council receptive and asks staff to explore funding and sites
Summary
Local resident Clay Draper presented a multi-page proposal for a skate park, citing youth activity, public health and growing local demand. Council members expressed support and asked staff to explore design, locations and grant funding, including a potential 80/20 outdoor recreation grant.
Clay Draper, a longtime Beaver resident and school employee, asked the Beaver City Council on Aug. 26 to support development of a public skate park in the city’s central park area.
Draper described the unmet need for a free, supervised place for skateboarders, scooter and BMX riders and said comparable Utah cities had installed durable concrete facilities that draw broad participation. “These kids are latchkey kids,” Draper said, arguing a skate park would provide low-cost recreation and encourage physical activity.
Council members responded positively. Several members noted the city has land near the fourplex and pavilion that could accommodate a skate park; one council member recalled a prior volunteer-led playground project. Council and staff mentioned potential funding sources: the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation’s grant program (an 80/20 match was described, with tier-1 grants up to $500,000). Draper and staff noted the grant window opens in January and recommended preparing design and grant paperwork in the interim.
Council discussion included site options (near the pavilion, at the fourplex or up the canyon), design choices (concrete vs. precast modular elements and the addition of a pump track for all skill levels) and maintenance plans including potential volunteer contributions. Speakers referenced examples in Cedar City, Delta, Price and Saint George and a local precast contractor who has built skate components; a staff member said the city owns land and that budget and design prioritization would determine the timeline.
Council asked staff to include the skate-park concept in upcoming budget and TRT (tourism-related) infrastructure discussions, to solicit design assistance and to evaluate grant eligibility. No commitment of city funds was approved at the meeting; council directed staff to start scoping, design and funding conversations.
Ending: Staff will work with proponents to scope design and funding options and return with a target budget and potential grant applications for council consideration.
