Who is involved with the AV Skatepark Project?

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This project was initiated by students in the AV Jr/Sr High Service Learning Team (AVSLT), a student group that works to improve the community. The Anderson Valley Community Service District (AVCSD) Parks and Recreation Committee is partnered with AVSLT to support the project, and is acting as the fiscal sponsor.  A community skatepark planning group has been formed to help guide the project, and open community meetings will be held regularly to solicit input during the planning process.  We welcome your support!

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Who will the skatepark serve?

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The AV Skatepark will welcome skateboarders, roller skaters, bikers and scooters of all ages. Skateparks are a rare space where community members of all ages -- from toddlers to retirees -- share recreation together, making for meaningful and vibrant community connection.  

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Why a skatepark in AV?

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There are very few public spaces in our community for young people to spend time together, and few opportunities for non-competitive, healthy recreation. The void of such public spaces and opportunities encourages youth to congregate in less visible areas (e.g. under bridges, in empty houses or cars) and engage in risky, unhealthy activity. A skatepark will inspire AV youth to be more active and fosters healthy community connection. Skateboarding, roller skating, biking and scooting are great outlets, physically and mentally, for young people, and can be a vital source for promoting mental and physical well being.

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How will the skatepark be built?

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We have contracted Frontier Skateparks, a design/build firm out of VA (but with deep roots in CA!), to complete the first phase of custom design for our skatepark. This first phase (at $5,000) will entail two community meetings in which the designers dialogue with AV community members to understand preferences and ideas, and work together to shape our future park. This phase will end with a 3D rendering of our custom skatepark, in location, and a more precise cost estimate for construction. In Phase 2 of the design process (another $5,000), technical building plans are generated.  

 

In advance of beginning the design process, we are working with a civil engineer from Cornerstone Civil Design in Ukiah to complete a topographical survey and stormwater drainage assessment. We will also need to complete a geotechnical survey in the coming months, and develop a detailed stormwater drainage plan in concert with Phase 2 of the design process.

 

We are applying for a state CalTrans grant called the Clean CA Local Grant Program to cover the full cost of the construction phase. The grant deadline is April 1, 2023, with grant awards announced in August 2023. If we are awarded the grant, all work must be completed by June 2025 and final invoices submitted by June 2026. 

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Will a skatepark attract unwanted behavior? 

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Skateparks actually do the opposite by inspiring people of all ages to engage in healthy activity and connection. There are myriad opportunities in Boonville for people to engage in unhealthy behavior in locations where they can be unseen. The proposed location for this skatepark is in an open, highly visible area, making it an unattractive site for illegal activity. 

 

What about liability?

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California regulation grants immunity to public institutions housing skateparks as long as a local ordinance is passed to establish safety regulations for the skatepark and safety regulation signs are posted publicly.