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Commission discusses removing downtown skate-park equipment, leasing lot to district and setting a 2026 review date
Summary
Members of the Park and Recreation Commission debated whether to remove aging skate-park equipment and convert the space to parking at the district's request. Staff estimated modest revenue from leasing; commissioners reached a consensus to revisit formal action at the September 2026 meeting and consider decommissioning by late 2026.
The Park and Recreation Commission discussed the disposition of existing downtown skate-park equipment and possible conversion of the area into a parking lot after a district request. Chair opened the agenda item asking for a plan for the equipment; staff described the equipment as rusty and worn and said at least one piece needed removal.
Parks staff said the district across the road requested removal of the equipment and proposed leasing the lot to handle permit sales; the district’s interest was driven by a need for confirmed parking stalls to support its development. Staff provided a rough revenue example: at $15 per month per stall the lot could generate about $6,300 a year, which staff described as modest revenue that could fund small projects.
Commissioners debated options including removing only some pieces for safety, saving reusable panels for community use, or converting the whole area to a parking lot. One commissioner proposed a target date to encourage fundraising and completion of a new skate park: staff and commissioners agreed to bring a formal proposal back to the commission in September 2026 and discussed an end-of-year 2026 decommission as one option. The discussion was recorded as consensus rather than a formal motion; staff said any removal and conversion would likely require further council action and a memorandum of understanding if leased.
Safety concerns were repeatedly raised: commissioners noted some panels and the pyramid structure are unlikely to be salvageable and that removing the unsafe pieces may be necessary prior to any longer-term decision. Staff also agreed to hold onto Rotary panels if community groups request them.
