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Skatepark critics urge council to pause RFP, review design and ensure community oversight of $3.6M grant
Summary
Multiple skateboarders and residents asked the council to delay the skatepark RFP, express concern money already spent on site infrastructure may leave insufficient funds for skate features, and request meaningful skater involvement in final design.
Several residents and members of the skateboarding community asked the City Council on March 3 to pause the request for proposals and revisit the design process for a proposed skate park funded by a roughly $3.6 million grant to parks and recreation.
Community concerns: Robert Richard Hargraves III and other skateboarders told the council they have repeatedly asked for oversight and inclusion in design decisions and said they were concerned that up to $2 million may have already been spent on bathrooms, lighting and other infrastructure, potentially leaving only $1.6M for skate amenities. “I would hate that to be the thing that happens in our city of Lompoc,” Hargraves said, urging more transparency.
Skate community request: Speakers with long skateboarding experience said early consultant concepts were not carried through to final design and urged a pause so experienced skateboarders—beginners through advanced—can provide input. One speaker noted the sport’s Olympic profile and potential for regional events and revenue. Supporters argued that a properly designed park can be a community asset and attract visitors.
Council and staff response: Council members acknowledged past outreach but noted the grant deadline and a prior extension; one councilmember urged moving forward while promising to follow up with staff about the outreach and design record. Staff said the RFP timeline is active and that the design consultant had held prior meetings; council asked staff to ensure contact information from speakers is captured and to return with a status update where appropriate.
Next steps: Council did not halt the project at this meeting but councilmembers and staff agreed to follow up with community advocates and review whether additional engagement or design adjustments are warranted.
