Parks advisory committee backs skate-park concept, will work with Nassau County on design and funding

Chair Cameron and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee on March 11 recommended that city staff and the city manager work with Nassau County to finalize design, funding and a timeline for a proposed expansion of the Main Beach skate park.

The action followed a presentation from Scott Michaelson, Parks and Recreation director, who said the city budgeted $90,000 for the project (the commission approved $30,000 for conceptual designs and left $60,000 in the parks-and-rec impact-fee account for construction documents). Michaelson described the existing repairs and the conceptual overlay produced with American Ramp Company and local skaters and said the additional $60,000 would pay for construction documents and specifications needed for bidding and fundraising.

Friends of Fernandina Skatepark speakers urged the committee to proceed. "Just give us the $60,000 so we can get the rest of the specs," said Melissa Oliver, sponsorship and coordination lead for Friends of Fernandina Skatepark, noting the group's willingness to match funds and contribute materials. Michael Nichols, the group's treasurer, said the existing park is often over capacity and that a larger, phased facility could support skate, bikes and other wheeled sports safely and host competitions that draw visitors.

City Manager Sarah Campbell told the committee that Nassau County, which she described as an "angel investor," has asked the city to pause on moving the project to construction documents so the county can take the design to the finish line. "They have asked us to hit pause so that they can take the design to the finish line," Campbell said, adding that the county envisions a tournament-style facility with seating, a PA system, concessions, restrooms, underground utilities, lighting, drainage and integration into the Main Beach Park master plan. She said county partners plan to fund the work through tourism-tax dollars already collected.

Committee discussion focused on timing, cost volatility over a two- to five-year horizon, and maintenance responsibility. Members asked whether the larger overlay would require annexation; staff replied the site is part of Main Beach Park and is city-owned. Campbell said that once built the city would maintain the new park as a city facility.

After debate over whether the city should expend the remaining $60,000 now or let the county finalize funding and construction documents, a motion was made and seconded directing Parks & Recreation staff and the City Manager's office to work with Nassau County on implementing the skate-park project as part of the beach-harmonization plan. The motion was carried by the members present; Member Carlstein was not present at the vote.

Next steps: staff will coordinate with county partners on a timeline and report back to the committee. The Parks and Recreation Department retains the $60,000 in the impact-fee account if it is not spent and will work with Friends of Fernandina Skatepark, county staff and designers to determine the most efficient sequence for construction drawings and fundraising.