Grass Valley council approves $138,000 change order to expand Condon Park skatepark by about 2,000 sq ft

The Grass Valley City Council voted to approve a change order with Grindline Skateparks of up to $138,000 to expand the Condon Park skatepark by approximately 2,000 square feet.

Deputy Public Works Director Quintmire told the council that staff observed graded areas on the site that presented a limited opportunity to expand the park without a full redesign. Grindline — working under a design-build contract with the city — provided a cost estimate that staff said could be implemented as a contract amendment. Quintmire described the proposed additions as seating around the top of the gold-pan feature, expanded pump bumps, a small box jump and an extended platform area. Staff estimated the expansion would add about four weeks to the construction schedule.

Quintmire and staff cited a staff report that earlier referenced a 2,500-square-foot figure but explained that more detailed layout discussions with Grindline reduced the estimate to about 2,000 square feet. The $138,000 figure was presented as the construction cost for the change order; staff said the design-build contract structure means the change order amount would be the construction cost and would be reflected in a contract amendment.

During public comment, local skaters and supporters urged the council to approve the change order, saying a larger park would reduce congestion and safety risks and could bring additional economic activity. Some speakers asked whether the skate community would help fund part of the work; staff said fundraising efforts have been discussed but this particular opportunity arose from recent site conditions and the city brought the option to council.

Council members asked whether the $138,000 would be city-funded. Staff said the proposed funding source is Measure E and that staff proposed temporarily moving Measure E funding from a Condon Park baseball project (which includes drainage and accessibility work) to the skatepark expansion and backfilling baseball funding in a subsequent budget year. Council discussion also noted community fundraising efforts are ongoing for other improvements such as lighting.

A councilmember moved to approve the change order “up to $138,000” and authorize the deputy public works director to execute related documents (subject to legal review) and allow the finance director to make necessary budget transfers. A second was recorded and the council voted by voice; the motion carried.

The council did not attach additional conditions in the meeting and authorized staff to proceed under the contract amendment process.