Conceptual design nearly done for Ann Arbor Skatepark

Wednesday, May 5, 2010 | Source: Concentrate

What will the plans for Ann Arbor's first skatepark look like when they're revealed later this month? Interested skaters and fans of the longtime underground sport should look east for clues.

Trevor Staples, chair of the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark, says they are using the new Riley Skatepark in Farmington Hills as a sort of template for what they plan to build. They are also working to make sure storm water run off is taken care of and public art is incorporated so everyone can enjoy the new facility.

"Our goal is to have something for every skater," Staples says. "We want to have beginner, intermediate and expert levels right next to each other so they can learn from each other."

The friends group and local stakeholders recently participated in the second design charrette for the skatepark set to be built on the north side of Veterans Memorial Park near the intersection of Maple and Miller roads on the city's northwest side. Skatepark design firm extraordinaire Wally Hollyday Design is in the process of combining two conceptual designs into what is expected to be the final design, set to be revealed on May 22.

The initiative recently received a $400,000 pledge from the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Department. The skatepark is expected to cost between $800,000 to $1 million to build.

Source: Trevor Staples, chair of the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark
Writer: Jon Zemke