Selection Committee Recommends Wally Hollyday to Design Ann Arbor Skatepark

ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 11, 2012 — The Ann Arbor Skatepark is moving another step closer to becoming a reality. City of Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Services, Friends of Ann Arbor Skatepark, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and a Park Advisory Commission member interviewed two consultants to design a skatepark in Veterans Memorial Park, 2150 Jackson Ave.

The committee conducted interviews on May 30 and 31 with Wormhoudt Inc. and Wally Hollyday Skateparks. Both companies are based in California and each have over 30 years of experience designing and constructing skateparks. The firms have reputations among skateboarders as being two of the best designers in the industry.

The committee debriefed on Thursday, June 7 and decided to recommend Wally Hollyday Skateparks for the design and construction oversight of the Ann Arbor Skatepark. The selection committee will share their recommendation with the Park Advisory Commission at their Tuesday, June 19 meeting. Construction is tentatively scheduled for spring/summer of 2013.

Trevor Staples, President of the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark said, “We knew that whether Wormhoudt or Hollyday came out on top, Washtenaw County would get the quality, world-class skatepark that our community has been dreaming about for years. We've nearly met our $1,000,000 fundraising goal, and having the design process underway could help get the community amped up and excited to help us complete the challenge!”

“It’s exciting to see this project moving forward,” said Colin Smith, Parks & Recreation Services Manager for the City of Ann Arbor. “Once constructed the Skatepark will be a great attraction and recreational opportunity and the project is a great example of cooperation and collaboration between the City of Ann Arbor, the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark, and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission.”