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Construction of the Ann Arbor Skatepark is planned for the spring of 2013, with the goal of completion in fall, 2013. The purple area outlined in the photograph (left) above indicates where the construction site will be located within Veterans Memorial Park, 2150 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. The drawing on the right depicts the proposed skatepark layout. There will be a barrier free path from the skatepark to both parking lots and a stage area for events. Skateboarders will enjoy features such as kidney pools from 5 feet to 9.5 feet deep, a snake run, clover and flow bowls, rock ride and a slappy curb. Landscape features being incorporated into the design include native plants and bioswales and retention areas that exceed standard stormwater requirements.
Click here to view a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation created by skatepark designer Wally Hollyday.
A timeline of the progress of the Skatepark Development is as follows:
2005 - A2 Skatepark 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 A2 Skatepark 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 approves 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 $400,000.
2011 – PAC and City Council approve applying for a grant with the State DNR for construction of the skate park at Veterans Memorial Park.
2012 – The City receives a grant for $300,000 from the State DNR Trust Fund and $400,000 from the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission to develop the skate park.
2012 – October, Council accepts 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.
2013 – January, Ann Arbor City Council unanimously approved the design for the Skatepark at Veterans Memorial Park. Next steps are preparing construction bid documents with a goal of construction commencing in the summer. Stay tuned for more details as the construction progresses from start to the grand opening!
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Sumedh Bahl, Community Services Area Administrator
DATE: January 7, 2013
SUBJECT: Resolution to approve the design for the Skate Park in Veterans Memorial Park
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve the design for the skate park in Veterans Memorial Park.
A Memorandum of Intent between (MOI) the City of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Skatepark Action Committee (AASAC) was developed in 2009 and approved by PAC and City Council. The MOI stipulates that:
• The final design shall be reviewed by the Parks Advisory Commission, and shall be subject to City Council approval.
• It is the intention of the parties that the Facility will meet or exceed all storm water management and other environmental requirements, and will compliment the current park and landscape.
AASAC, Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission and the City have been working closely with the selected designer, Wally Hollyday, to create a design that provides a world-class skate park while respecting the park space allocated to it.
The final design was shared with the Planning Commission on Dec. 11, 2012 and PAC passed a resolution recommending approval of the design at their Dec. 18, 2012 meeting. The design will exceed City storm water standards per Chapter 63 of the City Code, and the work above and beyond will result in a zero discharge to the storm water system. Parks staff has worked in conjunction with the City Water Quality Manager and the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioners Office to address storm water design elements.
Below is the Ann Arbor City Council resolution approving the design of the skatepark.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE DESIGN FOR THE SKATE PARK IN VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK
Whereas, Prior to the design of the skatepark in Veterans Memorial Park, a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) was agreed upon between the City of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Skatepark Action Committee;
Whereas, the MOI stated that City Council must approve the final Facility design prior to its construction;
Whereas, An extensive public process was conducted to obtain input into the location and design of the facility; and
Whereas, The design will exceed City storm water standards per Chapter 63 of the City Code,
RESOLVED: That the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan, does hereby approve the design of the Skatepark Facility to be located at Veterans Memorial Park.
January 7, 2013