Ann Arbor City Council to Vote on Skatepark Design Tonight

Submitted by trevor on Mon, 01/07/2013 - 08:01

Tonight the Ann Arbor City Council will have the final vote on approving the design for the skatepark. Here's a VERY brief history of the project that is included in tonight's resolution (to view the entire resolution, follow this link: http://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=1265555&GUID=88F05CB... )

"A timeline of the progress of the Skatepark Development is as follows:

2005 - A2Skatepark Action Committee formed to advocate for construction of a permanent, 30,000
square foot in-ground concrete skate park.

2007 - October, presentation to PAC by A2Skatepark Action Committee.

2008 - January, public meeting at Scarlett Middle School to discuss skatepark design.

2008 - March, May and November, three hearings at PAC. In May, a public hearing was held on the
‘Proposed Skate Park Site in Northwest portion of Veterans Memorial Park’ where 16 people spoke.
PAC unanimously passed a resolution in support of the location. Over 125 people attended the
meeting in support of the skate park.

2009 - City Council approved the MOI between the City and the Skatepark Action Committee. In the
recitals, the NW parcel of land in Veterans Memorial Park is designated for the construction of a
skate park. This was a crucial step as it facilitated fundraising by providing a space for the skate park
as long as construction commenced by January 1, 2014.

2010 - Public meeting held at Slauson Middle School to obtain input for development of a concept
plan. Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission pledges grant funds of $400,000.00 to
the AASAC for construction and design of the Skatepark.

2011 - PAC and City Council approved applying for a grant with the State DNR for construction of the
skate park at Veterans Memorial Park.

2012 - The City received a grant for $300,000.00 from the State DNR Trust Fund and $400,000.00
from the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission to develop the skate park.

2012 - October, Council accepted grants from Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation
Commission and the State of Michigan Trust Fund for development of a skate park in the NW corner
of Veterans Memorial Park.

2012 - October, Public meeting held in City Council Chambers to present concept plan and receive
input on plan.

Construction is planned starting spring, 2013, with the goal of completion in fall, 2013."