Parks Committee approves funding plan for Delridge Skatepark

| Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Design rendering from last November – note that the design is still being finalized)
The Parks Department says it’s hoping to break ground for the Delridge Skatepark in late spring – and the latest move to enable that, happened minutes ago – the City Council’s Parks Committee (with only its new chair, Councilmember Sally Bagshaw, in attendance) just gave its approval to the $750,000 funding plan for the project. That sets up a vote, likely next week, before the full council. Before voting, Bagshaw heard from supporters including North Delridge resident Nancy Folsom and West Seattle-residing Skatepark Advisory Committee member Matthew Lee Johnston. Both talked about the Delridge community’s strong support for the project, which accelerated after a proposal for a smaller skateboarding facility at the future Myrtle Reservoir Park drew opposition from neighbors. The funding for Delridge is coming from what was earmarked for Myrtle and from money saved on other Parks projects with bids that came in under budget. The site is the northeastern corner of the parkland adjacent to Delridge Community Center.

cjboffoli January 21, 2010 (12:13 pm)

I’m curious as to how the City can indemnify itself from liability if someone’s kid uses the skate park and somehow injures themselves badly. But I guess that my question infers that skating in a controlled environment is any more dangerous than a City sidewalk and I’m not sure that’s the case.

waman January 21, 2010 (1:28 pm)

SK8 or Die!

Diane January 21, 2010 (2:04 pm)

this is great for the older kids; any new positive activities; excellent
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my only concern is that’s it’s so close to baby pool; having spent lots of time at city wading pools with babies/toddlers, the wee ones are always running around in near vicinity on grass; and having watched kids at new skatepark at Seattle Center, the kids often come flying up over a jump
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and none of them wear helmets or any other protective gear; might helmets ever be a requirement at this new skatepark?

Peter January 21, 2010 (5:43 pm)

Have you seen him?

WSB January 21, 2010 (5:50 pm)

Who?

Aye Jay January 21, 2010 (6:28 pm)

Valid point Diane
Some sort of green/Hard scape would be good.

Now, how to keep the skaters out of the wading pool in the summer time…

-Peter’s post is why you should not text and drive ;)

d January 21, 2010 (8:03 pm)

I’m old and don’t have a clue about skateboarding, other than it should be great for all who are into it.

I wonder – are there competitive skateboard leagues around the city? Like soccer or baseball?

too old to skate January 21, 2010 (11:31 pm)

Skateboarding is a sport unlike any other. It is unbound, performed by dedicated people (more adults than you think) who will skate no matter what. Trespassing, breaking bones, braving traffic, surgeries… you have no idea the thrill and satisfaction that comes from years of hard work. When you are a skater, and you see a great spot – you just have to hit it. Want skaters out of the bank parking lot? Build a skatepark. Want to know where your kids are? Build a skatepark. Want to encourage freedom of expression? Build a skatepark.
One thing – building a skatepark does not absolve you from knowing who your kid’s friends are, how late they stay out, if they are running into danger next to the kiddie pool, etc.
One more note – support your local skateboarder. Build a real park. Don’t relegate them to a corner…

Nancy F, January 22, 2010 (10:31 am)

Regarding insurance: The Parks Dept. has a thorough understanding of insurance issues for all its facilities, including skate parks. As Director Gallagher said at the briefing, most injuries come from middle-aged men playing basketball.

Regarding the wading pool: The skate park design has undergone, and continues to undergo exhaustive reviews by the Parks Dept design review board. They have asked for changes to help separate the two features, and Abbotswood/Grindline have been cooperative. No one wants to see any kids hurt.

Regarding skaters in the wading pool: There isn’t a current problem. It’s even less likely there would be a problem when skaters have a park designed for them. I’m not a skater but it doesn’t even strike me as a surface skaters would like.

Peter January 25, 2010 (4:02 pm)

Animal Chin

matty January 26, 2010 (10:54 pm)

this is great news! for the many who do not understand skateboarding or bmx biking, please, take a look whenever this new skate park opens on delridge. look at the hundreds upon hundreds of people of all ages, races, and genders who will skate and will be using this park and having fun. now look at the soccer fields and base ball fields that remain empty 90% of the time. unless a coach isn’t around, it’s not getting used. NOT the case with a Skatepark. It will be getting used and our TAX dollars will be utilized in a positive manner. This is 2010 and it’s about friggin time we in West Seattle had a SKATEPARK!! (KENT has like 3 for crying out loud!?) THANK YOU!

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