A covered skatepark could be built in Richmond in the future, depending on the needs of the local community.
The possibility of a shelter-covered park came out as part of a “Skateboarding Facilities” report presented last week to city council’s parks and recreation committee.
“An updated skateboard facility…could meet community needs and will be considered as part of future park planning processes,” said Mary Fenwick, manager of the City of Richmond’s parks programs, in her report.
“Prior to advancing any work on this project, a full assessment of the community need for a skatepark and a full design consultation process would be undertaken.”
Fenwick said city staff would continue to monitor the situation with the local skateboarding community and will frequently assess the capacity at each of Richmond’s three current skateparks – River Road, Thompson and Garden City.
The report detailed how the River Road skatepark is suffering from some “weathering” issues as a result of exposure to the elements, such as settlement of surfaces.
An assessment of the park by a skatepark design and construction firm in the spring highlighted a number of maintenance issues, which are being considered by city staff.
However, a preliminary estimate to install an all-weather shelter and lighting over the park was coming in at up to $940,000. The cost, according to the report, was too prohibitive for the city.
The two other parks, according to the report, are in good shape, with the Thompson Youth Park, in particular, still offering a “skateboarding experience that is unique in the region.”
