November 10, 2001 Pasadena Star News

SoPas targets April opening of skate park

Portable equipment would be set up on city land in Lower Arroyo Seco

By Mary Schubert
Staff Writer

SOUTH PASADENA -- Questions of location, cost and design for a proposed city skate park continue to bedevil the project, but city officials now are shooting for an April opening at a site in the Lower Arroyo Seco.

The park, in the latest of many suggested versions, would consist of portable, temporary equipment set up on city-owned land on Stoney Drive at the former site of a recycling center.

The City Council decided Wednesday to negotiate with Spohn Ranch, an Industry-based manufacturer of skate park equipment, to buy no more than $110,000 worth of ramps, jumps, half-pipes and other items.

Councilwoman Dorothy Cohen was absent from the meeting and Councilman Harry Knapp voted against the proposal, citing concerns about cost and the safety of the lower arroyo site.

"This thing is way too expensive for me, plus I'm totally against having a skate park down there," Knapp said. He and other residents say that Stoney Drive is a hilly, winding street that would be dangerous for kids who might skate down to the park.

Back in July, Knapp, Cohen and Councilman Michael Cacciotti had voted against a proposal to construct a permanent, concrete, built-in skate park in the lower arroyo. That project would have cost $390,000.

In August efforts turned to building a 14,300-square-foot skate facility on the tennis courts in Orange Grove Park, using temporary, portable equipment. Neighbors of the Mission Street park objected, citing noise and traffic concerns.

Last month, the council -- with Knapp absent -- decided to put the skate park back in the lower arroyo. City resident Ed Simpson challenged the council's wisdom Wednesday.

"None of the reasons for the Orange Grove site over the arroyo site have vanished. You can't change the remote (lower arroyo) area. You can't eliminate the steep incline or the blind curves," Simpson said.

"This council is placing the vocal opposition of a small group of people who moved next to (Orange Grove) Park -- and then complain about the noise -- and a small group of tennis players ... over serious liability and safety concerns of residents," he added.

City officials have proposed resurfacing Stoney Drive and improving the walkways. If approved, that work wouldn't be done before the skate park's targeted completion in April.

Much of Wednesday's debate also focused on what type of equipment to purchase. City parks Director Veronica Dolleschel recommended steel-framed ramps covered with a special surface that gives a smooth ride to skaters.

Steel provides a sturdier structure, and although wood is cheaper and more flexible it deteriorates faster, Dolleschel wrote in her report to the council.

But resident Bee Simpson argued that Glendale bought wood ramps for its skate park, which opened last June. La Canada Flintridge did the same for its park, in operation for a few months.

If the city spends a lot to buy the ramps and equipment, Simpson said, there won't be enough in the budget to pay for other skate park costs like lighting, landscaping and ongoing operating costs.

"I wish someone would give us a skate park for free, but that's not going to happen," said Mayor David Rose. "I don't want to delay this any further."

-- Mary Schubert can be reached at (626) 578-6300, Ext. 4456, or by e-mail at mary.schubert@sgvn.com.