SeaSk8 Meeting report
Jonah posted a nice recap on SLOG.
..and here is Ryan’s email recap:
Thanks for everyone who showed up and provided public comments at the first SeaSk8 public meeting last Thursday night. Approximately 40 people showed up and 15 people provided comments. Of those 15 about 6 people indicated that they fully supported skateboarding at the Seattle Center but felt that the Pavilion A site results in increased costs (totally agree) and the displacement of other current users (also totally agree). There were no comments regarding negative environmental impacts that may occur as a result of the skatepark – this is a good thing given the true objective of the meeting was gain input on potential impacts, not the appropriate site. Following the meeting the Seattle Center team approached me and stated that they are going to continue to move forward with the project prior to finalization of the SEPA permitting process given they are confident that they will gain the necessary permits.
Next steps. There are two concurrent processes that will now begin to unfold.
First, this project will have a 1% for Art process whereby 1% of the total project costs (this is likely the only good thing about having a ~$3MM price tag on the project) or $300k will be delegated to integration of art into the skatepark. Scott Shin from the SPAC has been identified as the lead contact from the SPAC for working with the Seattle Center on this process. He has experience with this process and is excited to try to integrate some cool, skateable art into the skatepark. Please let me know if you have ideas or contacts that could help with this process.
Second, the design selection process will start. I will be the lead for the SPAC on this process. I will work with them to craft an appropriate RFQ/RFP for the design process and be a voting member on the design selection committee. I will also work with the Seattle Center to make sure that the skateboarding community has significant input on the overall design process so that everyone’s voice is heard and this park truly represents all skateboarders that get involved in the process.
More will come on both of these processes as I learn more from the Seattle Center’s team. As always, let me know if you have any questions.
More information on the skatepark process can be found at www.seattleskateparks.org <http://www.seattleskateparks.org/> , including an article by the Stranger on the public meeting.
Ryan Barth
Chairperson, Skate Park Advisory Committee
