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Keizer parks board and council discuss skate park cover, lighting and possible expansion; staff to consult on master plan amendment
Summary
Keizer's Parks Board told the City Council that local skaters presented a detailed proposal asking for a covered mini bowl, low-level lighting and possible future expansion of the Keizer skate park.
A group of local skate park users presented the Parks Board with drawings, cost estimates and site maintenance ideas and asked the city to consider a cover for the mini bowl, low-level lighting and, in the long term, an extension of the facility.
Parks Board member Lisa Sujica reported the presenters had consulted comparable projects and offered volunteer labor; board members praised the proposal as well prepared. The mini bowl draws skaters from outside the area because of its unique design, Sujica said, but it lacks drainage. The board requested consideration of a cover to reduce weather closures, and low-level sports-field style lighting to allow evening use without creating substantial light spill into nearby neighborhoods.
Councilors asked staff whether System Development Charges (SDCs) or other grants could cover improvements. Assistant city staff said the current parks master plan does not include skate-park improvements and that without amending the master plan the project would not be SDC-eligible. Staff recommended discussing a master plan amendment with the city's consultant. Council gave staff general concurrence to contact the master plan consultant and explore adding generic "enhancing amenities" language so future lighting, covers, or expansion would become eligible for financing, rather than approving specific construction designs at this time.
Councilors and the board discussed fundraising and community partnerships; councillors asked the presenters to pursue grants and community donations in parallel with staff discussions about master-plan language and potential SDC methodology updates. One councilor suggested incremental changes (boilerplate language for enhancements) rather than locking the city into a single specific design.
Ending: Staff will open a conversation with the master-plan consultant about language to allow enhancements atKeizer Rapids Park skate facility to be SDC-eligible and will report back to council.
