Title
Resolution to Approve the Design for the Skate Park in Veterans Memorial Park
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve the design for the skate park in Veterans Memorial Park.
A Memorandum of Intent between (MOI) the City of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Skatepark Action Committee (AASAC) was developed in 2009 and approved by Park Advisory Commission and City Council. The MOI stipulates that:
The final design shall be reviewed by the Parks Advisory Commission, and shall be subject to City Council approval.
It is the intention of the parties that the Facility will meet or exceed all storm water management and other environmental requirements, and will compliment the current park and landscape.
AASAC, Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission and the City have been working closely with the selected designer, Wally Hollyday, to create a design that provides a world-class skate park while respecting the park space allocated to it.
The Planning Commission reviewed and had no objections. PAC unanimously recommended approval of the design at their December 18th meeting. The design will exceed City storm water standards per Chapter 63 of the City Code, and the work above and beyond will result in a zero discharge to the storm water system. Parks staff has worked in conjunction with the City Water Quality Manager and the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioners Office to address storm water design elements.
A timeline of the progress of the Skatepark Development is as follows:
2005 - A2Skatepark Action Committee formed to advocate for construction of a permanent, 30,000 square foot in-ground concrete skate park.
2007 - October, presentation to PAC by A2Skatepark Action Committee.
2008 - January, public meeting at Scarlett Middle School to discuss skatepark design.
2008 - March, May and November, three hearings at PAC. In May, a public hearing was held on the 'Proposed Skate Park Site in Northwest portion of Veterans Memorial Park' where 16 people spoke. PAC unanimously passed a resolution in support of the location. Over 125 people attended the meeting in support of the skate park.
2009 - City Council approved the MOI between the City and the Skatepark Action Committee. In the recitals, the NW parcel of land in Veterans Memorial Park is designated for the construction of a skate park. This was a crucial step as it facilitated fundraising by providing a space for the skate park as long as construction commenced by January 1, 2014.
2010 - Public meeting held at Slauson Middle School to obtain input for development of a concept plan. Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission pledges grant funds of $400,000.00 to the AASAC for construction and design of the Skatepark.
2011 - PAC and City Council approved applying for a grant with the State DNR for construction of the skate park at Veterans Memorial Park.
2012 - The City received a grant for $300,000.00 from the State DNR Trust Fund and $400,000.00 from the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission to develop the skate park.
2012 - October, Council accepted grants from Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and the State of Michigan Trust Fund for development of a skate park in the NW corner of Veterans Memorial Park.
2012 - October, Public meeting held in City Council Chambers to present concept plan and receive input on plan.
Construction is planned starting spring, 2013, with the goal of completion in fall, 2013.
Staff
Prepared by: Amy Kuras, Landscape Architect
Reviewed by: Colin Smith, Manager of Parks and Recreation Services and Sumedh Bahl, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Prior to the design of the skatepark in Veterans Memorial Park, a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) was agreed upon between the City of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Skatepark Action Committee;
Whereas, The MOI stated that City Council must approve the final Facility design prior to its construction;
Whereas, An extensive public process was conducted to obtain input into the location and design of the facility; and
Whereas, The design will exceed City storm water standards per Chapter 63 of the City Code,
RESOLVED, That City Council does hereby approve the attached design of the Skatepark Facility to be located at Veterans Memorial Park; and
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution approving the design of the Skatepark Facility be provided to the Ann Arbor Skatepark Action Committee.