Malibu Gets Ready For Permanent Skate Park

MALIBU, CA — The fate of Malibu’s skate park has been similar to skateboarding itself: lots of ups, downs, thrills, flips, and occasionally, crashes.

After almost a decade without a skate park, a temporary park opened July 3 right next to Malibu Bluffs Park. At a time of rising COVID numbers, only 12 skaters were allowed in at a time, and each was limited to 55 minutes. The town was thrilled, and 200 online reservations were booked 10 days out.

But just nine days later, the city announced it was closing down the park due to COVID concerns. City Manager Reva Feldman told KBUU News that too many people at the park refused to wear masks, and congregated too close for comfort. Feldman also said that sheriff’s deputies were called in numerous times to enforce park rules.

But now the city is looking forward to plans for the permanent park. On Sep. 2, the city will hold four hour-long virtual session where they will share preliminary design ideas for the new park. The public will have the opportunity to give their opinion.

After the meetings, a community survey will be sent out, and a second design meeting will be scheduled for Nov. 10. It will then go through the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Planning and Public Works commissions, and finally along to the City Council.

In the meantime, the temporary skate park remains closed, but skaters can take solace that the wheels are moving on a park that’s here to stay.