Spac Meeting Minutes: 1/14/08

Minutes
Skateboard Park Advisory Committee
January 14, 2008

Committee Members Present:  Ryan Barth, Scott Shinn, Matthew Lee Johnston, Dan Hughes
Guests:  Tony Davies
Staff: Susan Golub

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m.

Approval of Agenda:  The agenda was approved

Public Comments:

Tony reported on the status of Lower Woodland.  Ryan noted that Kim Baldwin currently estimates an March completion date.  Matt noted that a ribbon cutting ceremony should be planned, with an appearance by Mayor Nickels, Richard Conlin, Tom Rasmussen and Tim Gallagher, if possible.  Susan noted that Skate Like a Girl should also be present.  Date, time and details to be determined.

SeaSk8:

Ryan noted that California Skateparks, Pillar Design Studios, Grindline, and Newline Skateparks/Van Der Zalm & Associates have provided design SOQs.  Ryan and Matt expressed concerns regarding Pillar’s track record and the talent drain that occurred when Site Design was sold to ARC, which resulted in the creation of Pillar.  Ryan also communicated these concerns to Seattle Center.  Scott to follow up with Skaters for Public Skateparks regarding Pillar’s current qualifications and reputation with the skateboarding community at-large.

Ryan also reported that John Sutherland, the person spearheading the Fun Forest redesign effort has communicated a desire to include a skatepark.  Ryan has corresponded with Mr. Sutherland regarding this, and expressed a very tentative interest in the idea, while also underscoring the point that this is an option that was already considered and rejected during the skatepark siting process during the last three years.  This option would only be beneficial if a skatepark location at the Fun Forest could be designed and constructed using an expedited schedule, at a cheaper costs, a larger space, and not results in the displacement of current users.

Ryan reported that the skateboarding community will be involved in the design process at the point where public meetings occur.  Ryan to follow up with Kathleen McLaughlin, the SeaSk8 project manager, regarding the public process for designing the skatepark.  Susan noted that the Ballard Bowl design process with Airspeed was very focused, and suggested that this kind of input by skaters would be beneficial.  Ryan agreed.

River City Skatepark:

Matt reported that Mark Hubbard of Grindline estimates an April unveiling date for the initial set of park features.  Tony reported that permitting has been delaying the project, but that it is still moving forward.

Lower Woodland:

Matt reported per a conversation with Wally that the metal tubing currently in place is not the final coping, just a template, and will be replaced with higher quality permanent coping when the concrete is finished.  Additional discussion ensued regarding the status of various park features, estimated timeline for completion, and the no BMX policy.

Northgate Redevelopment Project:

Ryan reported that Kim Baldwin of Parks has contacted the SPAC regarding a Project Advisory Committee member for the Northgate Park n’ Ride redevelopment, which was designated as a Future Skatepark Site in the Citywide Skatepark Plan.  SPAC members to conduct a candidate search using materials compiled during the Citywide Skatepark Plan planning process.  Scott to fill the position if no candidate is found.

Mayor’s 2008 Interim Budget Update:

Susan reported that approximately $200,000 has been allocated for Dahl Playfield and $180,000 for various skatedots per the Mayor’s interim 2008 budget.

A process that is similar to the Pro Parks Levy Opportunity Fund will be used to identify and build skatedots at appropriate sites throughout the City.  Matt reported that skatedots in appropriate sites like Alki and Cal Anderson might also be a catalyst for larger skate features in the future, provided that the designated community defines the scope of the project, and that gaps in the urban core would also be good candidates for skatedots.  A set of skatedots was explicitly identified in the Citywide Skatepark Plan.  Susan noted that clear criteria for allocating skatedots throughout the city should be developed and integrated into the process.  Ryan to work with the SPAC and Parks Administration to identify key skatedot sites per the last SPAC meeting with Tim Gallagher.

Scott reported that Pam Kliment is currently tracking issues related to Dahl Playfield.  Susan to follow up with Pam regarding the status of this project and the funding for it.

Status of SPAC:

Susan reported that the SPAC is continuing to operate as usual under the Parks umbrella.

www.seattleskateparks.org:

Matt reported that a 3-part interview with John Carr and photos of the new Bellevue street plaza are available on the site.

Youth Outreach:

Ryan noted that inclusion of youth in the SeaSk8 design process would be a good idea.  Susan noted that the skatedots would also be a good idea.

Myrtle Reservior:

Matt to initiate a public information disclosure request with Paula Hoff regarding information collected about Myrtle Reservior skatespot, and to attend the next design meeting for that park.  He argued that publically available communications from the community to Parks clearly showed that the current community effort to move the skatepark to High Point despite the outcome of the Citywide Skatepark Planning process is both racist and classist.  Further support for this position is explicated in a case study in John Carr’s doctoral dissertation.

Adjournment:  The meeting adjourned at 8:10.