Council OKs removing unsafe skate-park equipment and will seek OSLAD grant for replacements

The City Council voted to remove remaining skate‑park equipment identified as unsafe and authorized applying for a future OSLAD grant to replace amenities at Lincoln Park.

Parks committee members said the equipment had been in place for about 20 years and recommended removing items that pose safety concerns. Committee member (speaker 8) said the parks committee "would like to remove the rest of the items that are left from the skate park area" because some pieces were unsafe. Members discussed whether removed pieces could be repurposed for parking, the need for parking blocks and anchors, ADA considerations and whether any of the equipment had scrap value.

Staff member Jill said the proposed removals and replacements intersect with previous Auslag/OSLAD grant requirements and that she would "go back and look on the paperwork" to confirm whether removed pieces must be replaced under the original grant terms. The council approved removing unsafe items pending confirmation that the action complies with DNR/OSLAD reporting or replacement requirements, and members also approved applying for an OSLAD grant to fund replacements in the future.

Councilors directed staff to verify grant conditions and explore removal logistics including possible salvage or recycling options. The motion to remove the unsafe equipment and proceed with a grant application passed on a roll‑call vote.