Community backers press commission on stalled bike and skate park; seek ad hoc role

The Blue Lake Parks and Recreation Commission heard a lengthy update and public appeals Tuesday over the stalled bike and skate park project. Kevin Fisher, a local supporter, told the commission he has helped organize a coalition of citizens and asked how they could work formally with the commission and council to keep the project moving. "My name is Kevin Fisher, and I'm a supporter of the bike park," Fisher said, and described plans to form an ad hoc committee to investigate outstanding issues and help with fundraising.

Commissioners and staff described procedural next steps: supporters should request council agenda time through the city manager (Jill) and the commission emphasized that any formal work must follow legal and approval steps. Parks Director (speaker 2) said the council has passed a revised memorandum of understanding with RCMBA and that the site is under winterization, but that several process, design and funding questions remain. Charlie Caldwell of the Humboldt Skate Park Collective (standing in for a local nonprofit partner) described efforts to secure a separate MOU for a concrete '0.5 pipe' element and to raise funds for the design phase.

Supporters repeated their willingness to help fundraise and volunteer, while commissioners cautioned that the city needs engineering sign-off and insurer guidance before the park could safely reopen. The commission and liaison discussed options including continuing the MOU process, producing an engineering report and evaluating grant opportunities.