Politics & Government
Pleasanton Skate Park Expansion Could Get Funding Tuesday
As Pleasanton's population grew, its Ken Mercer skate park remained the same. The council could take its first step in funding the project.
PLEASANTON, CA — The Pleasanton City Council will likely take another step this week toward making good on its promise to deliver a new skate park.
City staff is recommending the council on Tuesday give $115,154 to RRM Design Group for conceptual design and public outreach for either a new facility or renovation and expansion of the current skate site at Ken Mercer Sports Park on Hopyard Road.
The city recognized it needed a new facility seven years ago in its 2014 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, identifying it "as one of the City of Pleasanton's more significant deficiencies," according to a staff report for Tuesday's meeting.
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The plan said the city would need an acre more of skating area as the city's population grew. The city has since said the new space should be either adjacent to the current facility, or part of a renovation and expansion.
The Council allocated $400,000 in its 2019-2021 Capital Improvement Program for the expansion, a process expected to take three years. The city looked to similar facilities in Fremont, Milpitas and Newark for design ideas, saying in Tuesday's staff report, "These skateparks were determined to be quite popular, well-designed, and were highly recommended by local skatepark advocates."
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Ken Mercer Park was determined to be a better option than Bernal Community Park for the new facility. Skating advocates told the Council in December the new park should take up at least an acre to help avoid injuries. Some also asked the city for lights that could stay on until at least 11 p.m.
Speakers also requested the city name the new park after late Parks and Recreation commissioner David Lambert.
The Pleasanton City Council meets virtually at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The meeting can be found on the city's YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCityofPleasanton) or via Zoom at https://cityofpleasanton.zoom.us/j/91294937422. Those interesting in participating can phone in at (669) 900-6833 or (253) 215-8782. When prompted, enter Webinar ID 91294937422.
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