Maple Grove board approves design-build agreement with New Line Skateparks for community skate park up to $800,000

The Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board on May 21 approved a design-build agreement with New Line Skateparks for a new skate park at the Maple Grove Community Center, authorizing staff to finalize the agreement subject to final approval by the Parks and Recreation Director and City Attorney. The contract is written as not to exceed $800,000.

Parks and Planning Superintendent Ben Jaszewski said the agreement covers community engagement and concept development, technical design and construction drawings, permitting, design-build construction implementation, construction oversight and project closeout. The approach begins with community consultation and conceptual design, followed by technical construction drawings and construction implementation upon city approval of final design and budget.

Board Member Ken Helvey asked whether a temporary skate park would be considered given that the city would not have a skate park for four summers; staff said there was not widespread support for the expense when the matter was previously discussed but that a temporary option could be incorporated for $20,000 to $40,000 if the board chose that direction. Board Member Krista Kuhnly asked whether the vendor would be locked into price for the next two years; Jaszewski said the agreement was written as not to exceed $800,000 and that staff would pursue grant opportunities to assist with the expense.

Ken Helvey moved to approve the design-build agreement with New Line Skateparks; Krista Kuhnly seconded the motion. The board approved the motion on a 5-0 voice vote.

Why it matters: The agreement commits the city to a phased design-build process for a new skate facility and signals staff will pursue grants and community engagement; discussion about temporary options and price locking indicates ongoing budget and scheduling considerations.