Dominic Lofino Park needs $765,000 in state funding; city has $50,000 for skate-park repairs

Parks staff told the advisory board on March 10 that Dominic Lofino Park requires several capital repairs, most urgently the replacement of skate park decking that has been closed since June because of unsafe, deteriorated ramp surfaces. The parks levy includes $50,000 set aside for decking replacement, and staff said they have applied for $765,000 in state capital funds to cover additional projects including a new playground (estimated at about $550,000), parking-lot resurfacing and walking-path repairs around the pond.

"We are applying for $765,000 in state capital funding," Zach said. "If we receive that funding, we’ll begin planning this fall with construction in 2027; the grant is a reimbursement grant, so the general fund would need to front costs." Staff said the state will announce awards after the general assembly completes its capital bill process, with an expected notification by July 1.

The board heard the parks division has placed $50,000 in this year’s parks levy to demonstrate local commitment toward replacing skate-park decking. Staff noted that substantial additional capital would still be needed for full park rehabilitation and that the reimbursement nature of the grant requires the city to provide up-front financing until reimbursement is received.

Why it matters: The skate park and playground are heavily used community assets; prolonged closures reduce recreational options for teens and young adults. The grant decision in July will determine whether major repairs move forward on a 2027 schedule.

No formal vote on the grant application occurred at the meeting.