Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Riverton residents split over proposed skate-park replacement and relocation
Summary
Staff presented survey results (3,000+ responses) and contractor findings that the existing skate park needs full replacement. Residents testified both for preserving the park at Centennial and for relocating it to a planned regional park east of Mountain View Village; council discussed costs ($1M'$1.5M+), grant opportunities and phased design work.
City parks and communications staff presented results of two surveys (online and in-person) about the aging Centennial skate park and possible replacement or relocation. Josh said the online survey produced more than 3,000 valid responses after de-duplication, and staff's contractor told them the existing facility requires a tear-out and full replacement rather than spot repairs.
"We had, over 3,000 responses," Josh said during the presentation, and staff explained the recommended design process in phases: Phase 1 concept illustrations, Phase 2 engineered design, and Phase 3 construction management. Council members debated the likely cost envelope and trade-offs: staff and designers said a basic concrete replacement might start near $1 million while a higher-end facility with fencing, parking and amenities could push the price toward $1.5 million or more. Council also discussed grant funding: parks staff said they are asking the TRCC board for funds to pay for design work.
Public comment at the meeting was extensive and sharply divided. Teen and parent speakers warned that removing the skate park would deprive local youth of a walkable recreation space and could increase isolation; attendees cited local mental-health concerns and the skate park's role as a community outlet. Opponents and nearby residents raised concerns about neighborhood impacts, parking, competition with existing softball fields at Centennial Park, and the proximity of daycare and group-home facilities. The mayor reminded the audience that a 2022 community-reinvestment-area decision placed the skate-park parcel in the redevelopment area and that staff are exploring replacement and relocation options rather than immediate removal.
Council instructed staff to pursue design-phase funding and public engagement and acknowledged the need to balance youth amenities, field demand and neighborhood impacts. Staff said they will pursue TRCC and other grant options and return with design and cost recommendations.
