Although the Seattle City Council has denied funding for the construction of a new skatepark in Delridge, project organizers continue to develop a design for the park.
The proposed park would be located in the northeast corner of the Delridge Playfied and measure 10,000 square feet.
A new skatepark for Delridge was identified as a high priority, according to Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Citywide Skatepark Plan, approved by the council in 2007. The plan strives to change the way people think about and experience skateboarding by providing safe, legal places throughout the city that skateboarders and spectators can enjoy.
West Seattle skatepark design company Grindline, as well as Abbotswood Design Group, were both selected for the project. While it is still very early in the design process, they have presented some objectives to the local community.
For one, a highly visible and easily accessible site has been selected. Unless the city requires it, the design team said they will not surround the park with a fence.
Micah Shapiro, lead designer for Grindline, has emphasized that the park will be tailored to fit well within its environment. No trees will be removed from the park, and he hopes to use the current geography to create greenspace within the skatepark and provide opportunities for shade.
Shapiro also said that he hopes to include “skateable” public art in the park, such as murals or unique coloring.
Different elements in the park will make it accessible for skateboarders with varying skill levels. The park will also be designed with the possibility of expansion in the future.
Grindline has strived to keep the local community involved in the design process. At a public meeting Jan. 14 residents from the neighborhood, some who skateboard and some who don’t, worked together in small groups to brainstorm ideas of what they would like the park’s design to look like.
Local skateboarders requested different elements including ledges and rails. After hearing their suggestions, Shapiro said the park will likely be about half street and half transitional elements. They also asked for some undercover spots and exotic materials beyond standard concrete.
Other members of the community suggested the park be designed as a skateable amphitheatre, where performances could be held in the summer. Others requested lighting be installed around the park for security reasons.
Although the design process has been fully funded, construction will not begin until all funds, an estimated $446,091, have been secured.
Project organizers encourage community members to help by getting involved in the Skateboard Park Advisory Committee, which works directly with the city, or by contacting their city council members.
“For this park there has been the most community support of any project I’ve ever worked on,” said Shapiro.
Once that funding is secured a contractor will be selected through a low bid process. By placing tight qualifications on any bidder Shapiro said they can ensure that an experienced contractor is selected.
Another public meeting will be scheduled for sometime in February, at which time Grindline hopes to present some preliminary designs for the park.