06/11/1990 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e e e John Etter, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department, showed councilors a drawing of the winning design. Mr. Lacy described its features. Mr. Etter noted that the City's Risk Manager was consulted and wa$~co~fortable with the proposal. Answering questions, Mr. Etter said the course would have a concrete surface and its deepest place would be three feet below its rim, but other details remain to be worked out. Mr. Etter did not envision the course being hazardous enough to require that protective gear be worn by users. In an effort to locate the initial facility in a park near the design winner's school, Amazon Park is being considered as a likely site, with Bethel as the probable location of a second course. Mr. Green commended Mr. Lacy for his design effort. Mr. Boles regarded the proposal as a confirmation of the strength of the public design process. Ms. Zwillinger reported on the funding strategy included in the proposal. Community donations committed so far represent approximately one-third of the project's total cost, with additional requests for support pending (a mini-course is estimated at $6,000-$8,000). She mentioned grant applications and fund-raising events as additional possible sources of funding. She asked the council to commit to the construction of two mini-courses in summer 1990 at a total estimated cost of $12,000, to come from contingency funds. In addition, Ms. Zwillinger requested the commitment of a total of $75,000 from future capital budgets over the next two years for construction of the remaining proposed facilities. Mr. Bennett moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, to direct staff to bring a recommended project location, budget, and funding source back to the council within 30 days. Mr. Bennett moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, to accept the Planning Commission's recommendation to proceed with planning and, subject to available funding and other priorities, construction of eight street skateboard mini-courses, one centralized skateboard complex, and one indoor (or covered) skateboard ramp. Mr. Holmer observed that skateboarding appears to be a male-dominated sport. Ms. Neal responded that the development of safe locations should attract a younger and more broadly representative population to the sport. Mr. Holmer continued to be concerned with the dangers of the sport and the City's risk liability. Mr. Etter viewed the proposed facility as relatively safe. Mr. Bennett concurred with Mr. Boles' and Mr. Green's earlier comments praising the design process and said he fully and enthusiastically supported the development of skateboarding facilities. In response to questions from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Etter described skateboarding as a sport with long-term appeal and explained that the number of proposed facilities coincides with the number of Eugene area middle schools. To Ms. Ehrman's further questions, Public Works Director Christine Andersen said the City has undertaken a number of projects that combined donations, volunteer MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 11, 1990 Page 3