Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Escanido council awards $1.29 million contract for Westside Park skate spot after residents press for better outreach
Summary
The council voted 5–0 to award a $1,293,844 public improvement contract to Geocon Engineering for the Westside Park skate spot. Residents praised skate parks’ benefits but several speakers urged improved public notice, design revisions and stronger outreach to nearby renters and homeowners.
The Escanido City Council on Tuesday approved a $1,293,844 contract with Geocon Engineering to build a new skate spot at Westside Park, adopting Resolution 2026-82 and voting 5–0.
Interim city engineer Jason Christman outlined the work as traffic control, tree transplanting, stormwater best-management practices, lighting installations and irrigation reconnection, and said staff received six bids with Geocon the low bidder. “Our recommendation this evening is to adopt resolution 2026-82 authorizing the mayor to execute the public improvement agreement in the amount of $1,293,844,” Christman said.
The project drew a mix of support and concern during the public comment period. Daniela Trojho, a lifelong Escanido resident and planner by training, said she supports skate parks but criticized the city’s outreach on this project: “I haven’t had any success in getting information — I didn’t see a site plan until yesterday,” she said, urging the council to expand noticing beyond the current 300-foot radius to include renters and adjacent properties.
Several skaters and parents described the social benefits of the city’s existing Washington Park skate spot. “The best thing you could do for the younger generation is lift them up,” said Costa, who credited skate spaces with keeping youth active and out of trouble. Christina, a longtime roller skater, said the new park would offer mental-health benefits for adults and families.
Council members acknowledged the need to balance neighborhood input with project momentum. Council Member Fitzgerald said she personally walked the Westside site with public-works staff and found strong local demand for added park amenities, while also accepting that staff should improve outreach. Mayor White repeatedly encouraged residents to continue communicating with their council members if they had unanswered questions.
After questions from council members about outreach and site design, Council moved and seconded a motion to approve item five. Voting was recorded as 5–0 in favor of awarding the contract.
What happens next: staff will complete contract execution and move the project into construction and staging, with the council and staff indicating they will revisit noticing practices and public engagement practices used for future park projects.
