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Isanti council refers skate-park redesign, restroom and water options to park board after resident petition
Summary
After residents and designers urged a phased Ramparts skate-park build and reported a 552-signature petition, Isanti council asked staff and the park board to collect cost estimates for a beginner-focused redesign, vandal-resistant water access and bathroom options; no final construction vote was taken.
About 50 residents and skate-park advocates pressed the Isanti City Council to move forward with a phased redesign of Bluebird Park’s skate facilities, and the council asked staff and the park board to gather options and cost estimates before any final commitment.
The council heard a presentation from resident Aaron Zidane, a former park-rec board member and self-described consultant on skate-park builds, who said Ramparts (a local contractor) has revised a previously presented full design to focus on an east/beginner half that could be prefabricated over winter and installed in spring. "They're local, they can build most of this in their factory over the winter, and April, May, it goes in," Zidane said, urging the council to place the proposal on the next agenda. He also said a petition supporting the project had 552 signatures.
The request came during the public-comment portion and a follow-up agenda discussion. Mayor Luke Merrill said he favors a phased approach to stretch limited funds and asked whether public-works staff could help reconfigure existing ramps to reduce the need for an estimated $15,000 rebuild. "If they have time, they can move it," Merrill said, suggesting savings could be applied to a bathroom or other amenity.
Why it matters: Bluebird Park is a high-use recreation site for Isanti residents and neighboring users. Council members noted competing priorities—particularly pickleball-court requests—and limited funding (council referenced roughly $300,000 available for park projects). Council members and staff flagged vandalism history around fixed restrooms, which shapes whether a permanent restroom is a sensible investment.
Council and staff agreed on several next steps rather than endorsing construction tonight: staff will add the skate-park redesign and restroom/water options to the park-board agenda for detailed review, solicit ballpark cost estimates for phased skate installations and potential pickleball court alternatives (6/8/12-court scenarios were discussed), and investigate vandal-resistant water-fountain or Sandpoint well options. Council Member proposals ranged from adding more portable units for events to pursuing a permanent vault or connected restroom; officials noted costs could range from about $50,000 up to $150,000–$200,000 depending on scope.
Residents emphasized both community value and safety. Shelly Henry, who identified herself as a parent learning to skate to connect with her son, said a single evening of supportive activity showed how a better park could foster daily community engagement.
The council did not take a funding vote. Instead it asked staff and the park board to return with clearer cost estimates and a recommendation at a future meeting; council members repeatedly stressed balancing skate-park improvements with other community priorities.
Next step: The park board will review designs and cost estimates at its upcoming meeting; staff will compile vandal-resistant water/restroom options and provide ballpark figures for the council’s budgeting process.
