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Chairman Robert Perkins called to order at 6:00 p.m.
call.
Skateboard Park Ad Hoc Committee Meeting
January 23, 2007
A sign-in sheet was used in lieu of ro!!
Members Present: Erik Ferguson, Michael Lewis, Robert Perkins, DanielIe Schade, Bruce
Strunk
Members Absent: Mayor Bob Benton, Christopher Dzadovsky, Denise Sirmons (all excused)
Guests: Chad Atkins of Glatting Jackson, Tito Porrata of Team Pain, Myles and Elijah Olson,
Doris Fertuson, Travis Perkins
St. Lucie County Staff: Debra Brisson, Linda Barton, Mark DiMascio, Barbara Heck
Approval of Minutes
Ms. Schade made a motion to approve the minutes of 1/29/07. Mr. Strunk seconded the motion,
all in favor, motion carried.
New Business
New Committee Member Mr. Perkins welcomed Michael Lewis who was recently appointed by
Commissioner Grande to fill a vacandy on the Committee. His enthusiasm for the project was
noted, having attended most of the meetings as a guest.
Introduction of Desifmer and Consultant - Ms. Brisson introduced Chad Atkins of Glatting
Jackson and said the County is working on a contract with them to be the designer on this
project. She and Chad introduced Tito Porrata of Team Pain who will serve as a consultant to
Glatting Jackson on the design of the park.
Mr. Porrata said he has been with Team Pain for 5 years and gave some background about the
company's 20 years of experience in the business.
Ms. Brisson said she met earlier this afternoon with Mr. Porrata and Mr. Atkins. She said
they've seen the location of the proposed site and they talked about budget, any possible
restraints, and Phase II possibilities, so they are aware of what the parameters are. Mr. Strunk
asked Ms. Brisson for clarification on her statement about Phase II. She explained that there is no
budgeted Phase II but we want to allow for that possibility in the future. Mr. Perkins said the
committee's plan had been to do the best we can with what we presently have, with the intent of
pursuing a Phase II in the future. Mr. Porrata suggested designing the groundwork for a full
and build it in phases, with the street elements (plaza concept) phase to be done first.
Mr. Porrata showed concepts of blending the plaza concept to include more street-type elements.
He showed a street park that is being constructed in Englewood, Florida, and pointed out th
features of the park. Mr. Porrata said it includes a popular feature area from a street park the
built in Oviedo. He explained the function and flow of some of the key elements. Mr. Porrat
recommended including the option of a snake course in the first phase, and plan for a bowl in th
second phase. Ms. Brisson asked how much the subcontractor change order was to the G.C.
the site and Mr. Porrata said it was $450,000, including excavation, but not site prep. He said it
included the bowl, but not the snake run, no fill, and no lights. Ms. Brisson said she wants the
committee to understand what is possible with the money that we have. Mr. Porrata spoke about
incorporating green space not only for drainage, but for enhancement of the environment for
users and spectators. He also showed an 8,000 sf park in St. Pete and pointed out some of the
more interesting features of it.
MS.Schade and the young guests offered some pictures of street elements they enjoy skating to
Mr. Porrata to consider in the design. There was a discussion about skaters cleaning and
maintaining areas they enjoy skating.
Ms. Brisson expressed her appreciation to Mr. Atkins and Mr. Porrata for coming to the meeting.
She advised the committee that staff would seek approval for a Work Authorization to Glatting
Jackson on the BOCC agenda of February 6th or 13th. Ms. Brisson said that after her
discussions with Mr. Porrata today, she would like to find a way to incorporate an alternate
design that includes a bowl or snake run. Mr. Strunk said he is committed to the plaza but
would like to see some traditional elements for other skill and age levels that he feels he also
represents. Mr. Perkins said they first focused on the plaza plans, i.e. Kettering, because it was
appealing to our youth and we could build it with the space and money we had. There was a
discussion about fencing of a skatepark, that certain elements would mandate it. Mr. Porrata
showed a photo of a park in Aspen with some fencing behind it, and Ms. Brisson said we could
present for consideration if fencing is required. There was a discussion of how many people can
fit in a skate park at one time. Mr. Porrata said there's no set formula. He said that etiquette puts
one person in a bowl at a time, but deck areas and snake runs accommodate as many as it will
hold.
Mr. Porrata showed other concepts and features, pointing out some 9' deep bowls. Ms. Schade
said it would be nice to have as many elements as possible at our skateboard park so her
children, who are not old enough to drive, do not have to go elsewhere. The group agreed that
we are looking for fun, flowy, non-intimidating stuff like the Oviedo 5' lower section.
Ms. Brisson asked Mr. Atkins and Mr. Porrata if there is anything they would like the committee
to do for the next meeting. He replied that he would like to come back with a concept for our
site and see what we like, don't like, want to change or add. Ms. Brisson said she would like
some green space in the center so it will be welcoming to the community. She said there is a
possibility we will have more space than originally planned, perhaps 30,000 sf. Ms. Brisson
asked the designers to include a plaza, bowl and snake run, but to design it in such a manner that
it could be phased construction. She said the initial design will cost more, but we would then
have a total picture of what we want. Ms. Brisson estimated that we will need to raise an
additional $l 00,000-$l5 to everything. If the facility is to be lit, more money_ will be
-,
Ms. Brisson asked the committee if they would like to address any other issues with the
designers. The pictures the young skaters brought were given to the design team to take with
them. Mr. Strunk said he would like to see something with a nice, flowing concept and if we
stay with the plaza design, to include some runs and transitions for older skaters. Mr. Perkins
said that aesthetically he would like to see the mixed medium of concrete and brick used in the
design. Ms. Brisson said additional money could come from Art in Public Places if we
incorporate an element that could be classified as skateable public art. There was additional
discussion that so far, only the County is fllnding this project, and if there is a possibility of
additional funding from the City. Staff will be in contact with Mr. Atkins to let him know
exactly how much space we're going to have, and work out the contract with them.
The committee discussed the next meeting date, possibly February 20th. The conceptuals mayor
may not be ready, and staff has to check with Mayor Benton's schedule to see that there is no
conflict with City Commission meetings. Staff will advise the committee of the next meeting
date.
Sub-Committee Reports
Skateboard Park Fundraising - The County will create a project fund and checks can be made
payable to the Board of County Commissioners (or SLC BOCC) with a notation on the check
that the donation is for the Skateboard Park Fund. Ms. Barton asked that checks be sent to the
Parks & Recreation Department because it will be staffs responsibility for getting them
approved by the BOCC and put into the proper account. Ms. Brisson suggested establishing a
"Friends of the Skatepark" donation for small contributions. She asked that the committee form
a list of who it is interested in soliciting for donations. Ms. Barton reminded everyone there is a
difference between donations and sponsorships. There was a discussion of ongoing fundraising
and solicitation.
Ms. Brisson thanked Mr. Atkins and Mr. Porrata for attending the meeting this evening.
Ms. Schade made a motion to adjourn and Mr. Lewis seconded it. The committee was in favor,
and the meeting adjourned at 7: 15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Heck
BOARD OF
COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
CHARLES GRANDE
COMMISSIONER
January 23, 2007
Mr. Michael Lewis
5593 St. Lucie Boulevard
Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
~1~~\ ~
RE: Skateboard Park Committee
Dear Mr. Lewis,
Thank you for agreeing to be my appointment to the Skateboard Park Committee. Our
Parks Department will be notifying you of the next meeting date, time and place.
Please contact me if you have any questions or issues you would like to discuss.
cc:
Charles r nde, District 4
St. Lucie County Commission
County AdministrationV
Parks Department
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CO: ADMIN. OFFICE
JOSEPH E. SMITH, Disttict No.1. DOUG COWAf\D, Disttict No.2· PAULA A. LEWIS, District No. 0 . CHAf\LES GRANDE. District NO.4. CHf\tS Cf\AFT, District NO.5
County Administrator - Douglas M. Anderson
2300 Virginia Avenue · Fort Pierce, FL 34982-5652 . (772) 462-1451
FAX (772) 462-2131 . TDD (772) 462-1428
www.co.st-Iucie.fl.us