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Council pauses on $50,000 skate-park concept funding after mixed feedback; parks survey shows residents prefer unprogrammed spaces
Summary
Councilors heard public input and an RFP summary for a skate-park project (phase 1 concept: $50,000; total phased contract ~ $140,000) but declined to take a vote, instead asking for broader park planning. A city survey (863 responses) showed residents favor unprogrammed family amenities and interest in pump-track/all-wheels options.
The Riverton City Council opened a public hearing on proposed conceptual design money for a skate-park project but did not approve spending after councilors and residents expressed mixed views about location, cost and scope.
Staff said an RFP selected a vendor for a phased contract: $50,000 for concept and public engagement (phase 1), another $50,000 for construction drawings (phase 2) and about $40,000 for construction management (phase 3) ' roughly $140,000 total if the project proceeds through all phases. City staff told the council phase 1 would produce public-conceptual designs and engagement, not guaranteed final construction documents.
Public commenters included skateboarders and parents. A resident who identified as a longtime skateboarder urged the council to rebuild the existing skate facility from scratch, saying the current park is unsafe. Others worried that moving or enlarging the facility could change traffic and liability dynamics. Council members suggested alternative approaches, including micro skate parks, an all-wheels facility that serves bikes and scooters, or relocating the amenity as part of a broader park-plan update.
Josh (parks staff) presented a parks survey with 863 responses showing a strong resident preference for unprogrammed, family-oriented park space (playgrounds, splash pads, shade). The survey also showed interest in pump tracks and all-wheels/bike amenities, but respondents prioritized passive family uses overall.
Councilors repeatedly said they wanted a more holistic parks plan before committing $50,000: they asked staff to consider new parks coming online, alternative locations, and whether the council wants a single large skate facility or distributed micro facilities. No motion to approve the RFP funds was offered.
What's next: Staff will return with refined options and a longer-term parks strategy that weighs survey results, safety, cost and maintenance.
