Lorain council approves bond ordinance to help fund new skate park; donors and grants fill most costs

Lorain City Council on Feb. 23 unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds in a maximum aggregate principal amount of $600,000 to pay costs of municipal parks and recreation facilities, a measure council and staff said will serve as matching funds for a proposed skate park.

Supporters said the skate park — described at the meeting as roughly 17,000 square feet and among the larger regional facilities — already has a mix of public and private backing. ‘‘I have already personally raised $20,000 and donated it to the city myself,’’ said Chad Muska, a professional skateboarder who spoke during public comment and is involved in the project’s design. City staff said about $852,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are allocated to the project, and the city has applied to the Land and Water Conservation Fund for an additional $500,000; notification on that application was expected in March.

Why it matters: City officials and residents framed the park as a youth and economic-development amenity that could draw visitors, provide recreation, and offer programming for local youth. Council members repeatedly cited long-standing community interest in a skate park and emphasized the city’s aim to complete a first phase this year if design and construction schedules proceed.

Project funding and timeline: At the meeting, staff and project representatives outlined the funding structure the council will rely on if the ordinance passed. In addition to Muska’s donation and the $852,000 in CDBG funds, the city reported ongoing community fundraising (an $50,000 target not yet secured), sponsorship and other donations, and the pending $500,000 Land and Water Conservation application. City staff estimated the total project cost at roughly $1.3 million with a potential funding gap of about $350,000–$400,000; staff said the city is pursuing multiple options — additional fundraising, sponsorships and use of designated trust funds — to close that gap. Staff also said the project is currently fully funded for immediate phases if the ordinance passed.

Officials discussed a two- or three-phase build: phase 1 focuses on the main skateable area and walk-in path; a later phase includes a custom bowl feature unique to Lorain. If design and permitting proceed on schedule, staff said they expect a groundbreaking as early as summer and emphasized HUD-related expenditure deadlines that require timely progress on grant-funded components.

What council heard: Council members and residents emphasized youth benefits, community involvement and tourism potential. An 11-year-old speaker recounted how local skate facilities shaped his athletic opportunities, and other speakers recalled earlier efforts to build a park in previous decades. Council members asked for transparency on federal funding use and for staff to continue reporting on budget and funding sources.

Next steps: With the ordinance passed, staff will finalize construction documents, continue fundraising and await the Land and Water Conservation Fund decision; council scheduled budget and finance follow-ups as part of routine committee work.