Opening Timeline Memorandum Resolution
Andy Macdonald and Tony Hawk at the Ann Arbor Skatepark.
Pro skater Tony Hawk meets a small fan.
The skatepark is 30,000 square feet in size.
The Ann Arbor Skatepark is located at Veterans Memorial Park.
All ages enjoy the skatepark.
Andy Macdonald, Alex Sorgente and Tony Hawk at the skatepark grand opening.
Pro skater Tony Hawk at the Ann Arbor Skatepark grand opening.
Ann Arbor Skatepark
The City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Services, the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark, the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office broke ground in 2013 on a 30,000-square-foot, world-class facility that is free for the public to use at Veterans Memorial Park (2150 Jackson Road).
The park features kidney pools from 5 to 9.5 feet deep, a snake run, clover and flow bowls, and a rock ride. Landscape features include native plants and bioswales, and retention areas that exceed standard stormwater requirements.
Long-awaited upgrade comes to the A2 Skatepark
New lights have been installed at the Ann Arbor skatepark to provide extended use into the evening and early morning hours. This project was possible because of support from our partners at Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark.
Testing is still underway, but the lights are currently available between 6-9 a.m. as well as 4:15-10 p.m. and can be turned on by one of two push buttons on site. This will provide an hour of light time and a flashing strobe light will indicate that 10 minutes are remaining before the lights shut off. At that time, the button can be pushed to activate the lights again up until the cut-off. The timing of the lights will be adjusted seasonally.
2013
The Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark, City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Services, and the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission will host a brief groundbreaking ceremony for the Ann Arbor Skatepark at noon, Friday, Aug. 9. The ceremony will take place at the future site of the skatepark, in the northwest portion of Veterans Memorial Park, 2150 Jackson Ave. Parking will be available off of both Dexter Avenue and Maple Road. The groundbreaking ceremony will include remarks and a photo opportunity.
A construction contract for the Ann Arbor Skatepark was approved by City Council at their July 15, 2013 meeting. Construction is expected to begin this August and will continue in the spring of 2014, with a grand opening in 2014. The Ann Arbor Skatepark, a 30,000 square-foot, world-class facility, will be free for the public to use.
Construction of the Ann Arbor Skatepark is planned for the spring of 2013, with the goal of completion in fall, 2013. The construction site will be located within Veterans Memorial Park, 2150 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. 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.
View the presentation created by skatepark designer Wally Hollyday (PDF)
Timeline
A timeline of the progress of the Skatepark Development:
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 (MOI) between 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
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.
