Oxnard approves $4.5 million Del Sol Park skatepark project; council cites competition and inclusive design

The Oxnard City Council on Dec. 17 approved a design‑build agreement with California Skateparks to build a skatepark at Del Sol Park, allocating project funds and directing staff to proceed with the environmental and design work.

City staff described the project as a large, concrete skate facility designed to accommodate both everyday users and competition events; staff and consultants said the design would incorporate inclusive elements so people using wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment could participate. Project funding presented to council included $4.5 million in total project funds and a design‑build contract amount shown in the staff report; staff said funding sources include ARPA funds previously allocated to capital projects.

Project proponents told council they had used a competitive procurement process with a written submission, graphics and presentations; California Skateparks scored highest in the evaluation team that included public‑works staff, culture and community services staff and a professional skater. Project manager Taylor Gambino said California Skateparks’s graphic proposal and presentation were notably stronger than the alternate bidder.

Council and staff discussed operations and maintenance. Recreation staff said historically the department’s monitored skate park budget was roughly $30,000 a year, though the new park’s programming and competition calendar would influence costs. Recreation staff also said the vendor proposed measures to deter graffiti (color added to concrete pours) and preserve long‑term maintenance costs; staff said drought‑tolerant landscaping and other design choices were intended to reduce annual upkeep. Councilmembers asked about parking, lighting and whether the site had adequate space; staff confirmed the site at Camino del Sol and Rose Avenue sits inside Del Sol Park and that other park improvements (playground, restroom projects) are planned in the same park complex.

Council members also asked about liability and safety. Staff noted design‑immunity protections for public facilities built to accepted engineering standards, and said appropriate signage and safety messaging would be used; Recreation staff said users are encouraged to wear helmets and that programming choices (monitored events) are options to increase safety.

Council approved the agreement and an appropriation for the project by a 7‑0 vote. Staff will proceed with the design‑build contracting, environmental review and community outreach during design, and return with timing and construction milestones as the design progresses.

What this means locally: supporters described the project as an investment in youth programming, recreation and a facility that could host competitions and regional events. Staff emphasized inclusive design and lower‑maintenance landscaping as ways to reduce long‑term costs.

What was not decided: final design details, event programming schedules, and a long‑term staffing plan for competition events will be developed during design and returned to council before construction begins.

Votes: City Council approved the design‑build agreement and project funding (roll call vote recorded as unanimous).