Riverton council adopts resolution to remove skate park, will form subcommittee to pick a replacement

RIVERTON — The Riverton City Council voted to remove the city's aging skate park Tuesday night and directed a new subcommittee to identify a replacement location and funding plan.

Councilmember McDowell moved to adopt "Resolution number 25-602," and Councilmember Perucci seconded. The measure drew debate over cost details and whether to delay a decision until the newly seated council receives additional budget figures. After roll call produced two votes in favor and two opposed, Mayor Staggs cast the tie-breaking vote and the resolution passed.

City Manager Kevin told the council staff had seen a Salt Lake County Tourism, Recreation, Cultural, and Convention (TRCC) line in the county budget showing an $18,000 allocation toward design work for a skate facility, though he said the city had not yet received official confirmation. Kevin also said city staff reviewed outside cost estimates to remove the existing skate structure and found them “pretty substantial,” and staff are exploring a lower-cost approach using city crews for demolition and a contractor for hauling and regrading.

Several residents urged the council to keep the current skate park. Resident Jason Richmond told the council the public had not been sufficiently informed of safety reasons for removal and disputed a reported $1,000,000 repair figure, saying, “There is no negative in leaving it,” and offering, “I will fix it to anyone's standard for free.” Ayla Allen and Hannah Richmond also spoke in favor of keeping the facility, with Allen saying preservation of the skate park contributes to local character and youth access.

Councilmember McKay asked for concrete dollar amounts before approving a budgetary change and expressed preference to let the incoming council weigh in after receiving firm numbers. Councilmember Broker opposed the resolution during roll call. With the mayor's tie-breaking vote, council approved the removal resolution and added language establishing a subcommittee to recommend locations and identify funding sources for a new facility.

Next steps: staff will report back with demolition cost figures and the subcommittee will begin community engagement and funding research. The council did not adopt a detailed demolition budget during the meeting and noted some funding sources remain under review.