HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04-02-2008
Skateboard Park Committee Meeting
April 2, 2008
The meeting convened at 5:40 p.m. by Chair, Robert Perkins, following a site visit to the skate
park at Lawnwood Recreation Area.
Attending the meeting were Mayor Bob Benton, Christopher Dzadovsky, Robert Perkins,
Danielle Schade, Bruce Strunk, Myles & Elijah Olson, Robert Beasley, and St. Lucie County
staff, Debra Brisson, Linda Barton, and Mark DiMascio.
Debra gave an update on the project: She said the job is probably going to be done early but the
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contractor has until July 6 for completion. Debra added that additional work such as irrigation,
sidewalks to the Fenn Center, and landscaping will be done after Team Pain is finished.
Fencing will be required per Risk Management as well as to provide an electronic admission
gate, but we will try to make it as unobtrusive as possible. Pavilions and shade structures will be
added with any remaining project funds, if approved by the BOCC.
Debra cited the possibility of unknown delays and recommended setting a date certain for a
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grand opening after the contract completion date of July 6, with a soft opening as soon as the
park is substantially complete (possibly 3 weeks earlier).
Debra advised the committee that the County is advertising for an RFP for a concessionaire who
will monitor an electronic gate, process patrons, and offer food, beverages and skateboard
accessories for sale. They would also perform daily maintenance inspections of the facility.
Alternatives to providing all or some of these services may have to be considered pending the
responses to the RFP, with consideration given to our staffing capabilities.
Debra said that budget conditions dictate that there will be fees for use of the skate park, most
likely using a card system. There was a discussion of fees, with a final recommendations of $10
per year for residents, and $25 per year for non-residents, and a per day fee of $5.00 per session
without a card. Waivers would be required for all skateboarders. There would be no charge for
spectators. Debra said Risk Management would determine if spectators have to stay in a separate
area. Rob recommended signage saying “No Spectators on Concrete” so families can enjoy the
grassy, park-like areas around the skate surface.
Debra recapped the fees, and said they should be paid each fiscal year. She confirmed that the
committee would desire a soft opening as soon as possible after the release from Risk
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Management, with a grand opening scheduled for July 19. The time will be decided. Debra
said the county would do a ribbon cutting but Parks & Recreation has no funds for grand opening
activities. Rob volunteered to chair a committee for it. Debra suggested they get sponsors, but
none that promote alcohol or tobacco products. Rob has an energy drink company that would
participate. Danielle said she thinks there will be a huge turnout for the grand opening. Debra
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said the County is going to reserve bleachers, stage and P.A., for July 19. We will also do the
press releases
Debra reviewed the proposed rules with the committee and the proposed rules were amended to
reflect their recommendations. Some of the suggestions/modifications for the rules that the
committee recommended were a ban against display of gang colors/symbols; that a skateboard
specific helmet is mandatory and that kneepads and elbow pads are recommended; no wax
allowed on skating surfaces, allow personal music devices, i.e. ipods; no tagging or graffiti in
park. Debra stated that we will let Risk Management know of the committee’s recommendations
but in the end, Risk Management has the final word.
Mayor Benton said a concession trailer could be used only on a temporary basis because the City
requires permanent structures.
Robert will put together the committee and meet with Debbie on the plans for the grand opening
as things progress.
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
/bh
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