HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/09/2009 - Special Minutes - Parks Board (3)
SKATE PARK PUBLIC MEETING
MINUTES
7:00 PM November 9, 2009
EXIT Teen Center
1600 Rock Prairie Rd.
College Station, Texas 77840
STAFF PRESENT: Marco A. Cisneros, Director of Parks and Recreation; David Schmitz, Assistant Director
of Parks and Recreation; Pete Vanecek, Senior Parks Planner; David Wood, Parks Planner; and Herlinda
Godinez, Secretary
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD PRESENT: Gary Erwin, Chair; David Scott, George Jessup,
Jon Denton, Jody Ford, and Doug Becker
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: David Ruesink
Marco A. Cisneros, Director of Parks and Recreation, opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Cisneros
welcomed those attending the meeting, explained the purpose of the meeting, discussion regarding the
design of the skate park, and getting feedback from the meeting participants. Mr. Cisneros extended an
invitation to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting that would be held the following night on
November 10, 2009. Mr. Cisneros introduced Micah Shapiro, a consultant with Grindline Skate Parks.
Mr. Shapiro made a brief presentation, explaining the proposed design of the skate park. He explained
the elements that were incorporated based on the participants suggestions at the July meeting. Mr.
Shapiro then asked for feedback, questions, and comments.
Some of the meeting participants did not like the long skate path and expressed concern that the path
would not be wide enough for pedestrians and spectators. Mr. Shapiro explained that the path was
wide enough for both spectators and skaters. A participant asked if there could possibly be more wall
ride walls put into the park. Concern for the younger skaters was pointed out, but Mr. Shapiro
explained that they way the park was spread out, it was safer because more inexperienced skaters
would be in the less challenging sections of the park. Mr. Shapiro also explained that the design of the
park provided a challenge for all levels of skaters. A suggestion for having a separate path for spectators
would be possible. Mr. Shapiro informed the meeting participants that adding elements like a separate
path would mean less money for the skating elements. Mr. Cisneros answered questions about the park
being open to all wheeled equipment (bikes, scooters, etc.) and explained that the skate park would be
for skateboards only, due to insurance issues. Mr. Shapiro then explained the areas for spectators
around the edges of the park and how the park site will be open for more additions in the future. A
participant asked if a step up rail could be added to the street course. Participants expressed concerns
about the current lighting situation and whether it would be improved. Several participants expressed
compliments to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the City Council for making the skate park
possible.
November 9, 2009
Public Skate Park Meeting Minutes