2nd Public Meeting brings us one step closer!
Tuesday, April 1st, 2003 was the second public meeting held by the Mayor's Office for input on the Lakewood Skatepark Project. Public Works Director Bill Boag chaired the preceding Skatepark Committee Meeting and introduced the architects and their designs. This meeting presented the skaters of Lakewood with 3 different scenarios utilizing the obstacles that we submitted as well as the site and landscape specs for integration into the existing space.

Overall the architects did an amazing job interpreting all our instructions and input. While not skatepark specialists, they really did their homework and came up with some good layout options and added many visual amenities that would make it a great place to skate and a great addition to the Lakewood Park facilities.

Our next step was to give them some good feedback on the specific layout, dimensions, and use of obstacles and terrain. About 35 skaters showed up ranging in age from 6 to mid 30s. The three designs presented each had strong points and weaknesses, but the main point was that we were dealing with a smaller area than what was represented. So part of the meeting was spent figuring out we could accomodate all the elements in the smaller area and the rest was spent prioritizing which obstacles and elements should be in the final design.

Each of the designs included flatground street obstacles (ledges, manual pads, stairs, handrail, and flat bars), an obstacle-style course (banks, hips, quarters, pyramids, and bank-to-walls) and a multi-depth bowl. Everyone agreed that these items must all be included in the final design so the task of integrating them within the smaller area began. With lots of input from the more experienced skaters, we were able to get everything arranged inside the alotted square footage while maintaining the overall flow and line possibilities. Preference was given to an "open" feeling course rather than a very technical one with obstacles all within close proximity to each other. This will also allow for placement of ledges, slanted rails, and hubbas to fit the relative speed available at any given point. Obstacles like a low flat bar and a low manual pad where worked in to allow newer skaters to have an area that would give them a safe place to learn without causing congestion or problem areas. The multi-depth bowl included 2 or 3 hips and one wall that spines into the obstacle style course. Flatground street, stairs with hubba ledges and a handrail where arranged to also flow into the rest of the park. Walkways and resting areas were maintained as well as correct placement of trees and shrubbery. Shade trees were also included for shade.

Issues like rules, policies, hours of operation, lighting, and safety precautions were touched on but will be handled in subsequent meetings and within the Skatepark Design Committee. But in general, we can expect no hard pad or helmet requirements, posted rules for self-policing for people abusing the park, park lighting following the existing park hours (till 11pm!), and a call box with first aid kit as well as any other required safety precaution. The park will have controlled access from near the swimming pool and emergency access from the west side drive. Seating for spectators as well as shrubbery for a buffer zone between the park and adjoining facilities will be included in the final design.

Over the next few weeks, the final design will be tweaked and adjusted and then we'll have a good idea of how much it will cost and the city can start the bidding process. At that point, the design will be posted on the web so we can take a look at it as well as another final public meeting so we can see it up close. Only legitimate skatepark contractors will be considered in the bidding process. The request for bid proposal will include requirements for expert concrete skatepark contractors alone.