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Nevada City pauses to reassess skatepark site and protect $750,000 grant, council says
Summary
After staff said the Bodie Hive site has unresolved land control, environmental review and contract issues, council asked staff to pause the unsigned Spahn Ranch contract, evaluate up to three alternate city sites, analyze CEQA risk and return with a tight work plan to avoid losing a $750,000 Prop 64 youth grant.
Nevada City Council on Feb. 25 signaled a pause and a call for new due diligence on a proposed skate park after staff reported unresolved site control, environmental review and contract concerns for the previously preferred Bodie Hive location.
Interim city manager Joan (interim city manager) told the council that while the Bodie Hive property owner had been willing to donate land, the city has not finalized acquisition, the design‑build contract with Spahn Ranch remains unsigned and staff has not yet identified or budgeted for environmental (CEQA) review, site clearing, utility connections, or ongoing maintenance. Staff also noted the project has $750,000 in Prop 64 grant funds earmarked for youth‑oriented activities that must be expended by April 2028 unless amended.
Multiple councilmembers said the project suffered from process gaps earlier in its development and urged a disciplined approach. Councilmember Doug (committee member) and others asked staff to return quickly with a top‑three site analysis that includes site constraints, neighborhood compatibility, access and parking, a high‑level CEQA profile, and an executable budget and schedule. Several members emphasized urgency to avoid missing the grant expenditure deadline or having to reallocate funds.
Public comment was extensive and split. Sandra Barrington, president of the Nevada City School District board, said the district’s field project is not complete and that the district is shovel‑ready to finish its field work if funds were reallocated. Mary Maya, a teacher and Nevada County Skate board member, urged exploring school blacktop space and other city‑owned sites to serve marginalized youth and preserve downtown historic areas.
Neighbors and community members raised concerns about Bodie Hive’s safety, access and fire constraints. Other residents and youth advocated moving quickly, citing local demand and volunteer support; several commenters said the city should identify alternate sites immediately and avoid the long delays seen in neighboring towns.
What happens next: Council directed staff to evaluate alternate sites, assess CEQA requirements and cost implications, determine whether the $750,000 Prop 64 funds can be expended by April 2028 or if a grant amendment is necessary, and return with recommendations and a work plan. The council emphasized preserving the funding for youth uses in the community while ensuring due diligence on site selection and legal/operational constraints.
Authorities referenced during the meeting included Prop 64 grant terms and CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) review requirements.
