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Council approves $750,000 design‑build contract for skate park amid neighborhood outreach complaints
Summary
Nevada City awarded a not‑to‑exceed $750,000 design‑build contract to Spawn Ranch for a new all‑wheels skate park, after councilors emphasized a lengthy community engagement plan and neighbors pressed for more direct outreach, environmental review, and assurance that Reward Street will not be used for access.
Nevada City Council voted unanimously on Aug. 13 to award a design‑build contract to Spawn Ranch for a new ‘all‑wheels’ skate park, approving a contract not to exceed $750,000 and authorizing the city manager to sign related documents.
Assistant City Manager Lon Peterson told the council the project is funded in part by a Prop 64 grant and was selected through an RFP process that emphasized community engagement, accessibility, and design translation. "Spawn Ranch was clear the best by and far the best winner," Peterson said, citing the firm’s outreach plan, design experience and work with local geotechnical experts.
Nut graf: The decision comes after several neighbors said they received little notice about the project site, asked whether tree removal or grading permits had already been issued, and urged archaeological and CEQA review. Councilors and staff acknowledged gaps and committed to targeted neighborhood meetings and further environmental and permitting steps before construction begins.
Residents raised multiple concerns during public comment. "Notifications and information about the skateboard project have been absolutely non‑existent," said Marcy Harrison, a nearby resident, who asked whether environmental and archaeological studies had been completed and whether Reward Street would be used for access. Doug Harrison asked whether permits for tree removal or excavation had already been issued and whether the site is properly zoned for recreation use.
City staff and council members responded that the contract before the council is for design and community engagement, not for immediate construction. City Manager Sean Grayson and others said that easement or land agreements, final design, and CEQA environmental documents remain to be completed once a design is chosen, and that permitting follows that process. Councilors and staff committed to scheduling additional neighborhood meetings and to coordinating with the police chief on mitigation measures such as cameras and site monitoring.
The council recorded unanimous support: Council Member Fleming, Council Member Fernandez, Vice Mayor Cece and Mayor Klein voted yes.
What happens next: Staff and Spawn Ranch will begin an outreach and design process, with multiple public meetings planned; environmental review and any required permits will follow once a final site and design are selected.
