TITLE:
title
CONCEPTUAL PLAN FOR COSTA MESA SKATEPARK EXPANSION
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DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT/ADMINISTRATION
PRESENTED BY: RAJA SETHURAMAN, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
CONTACT INFORMATION: RAJA SETHURAMAN, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR (714) 754-5343
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Staff requests that the Parks and Community Services (PACS) Commission review and recommend the conceptual design plan for the proposed expansion of the Costa Mesa Skatepark located at 900 Arlington Drive.
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BACKGROUND:
The City of Costa Mesa currently has one of the most popular skateparks in Orange County. The success of the existing skatepark is demonstrated by the significant number of users who frequent the park. It provides a total skateboarding area of approximately 15,000 square feet and features a combination of street elements, bowls, and transition areas.
The existing skatepark is frequented by the local skating community and is enjoyed by skaters of all ages. A great need exists for a dedicated area for beginning skaters and an expanded area for new elements. The ultimate goal is to expand the current skatepark facility by approximately 15,000 square feet to ensure that it remains a modern, top-notch, and state-of-the-art skate park facility that can serve as a signature destination in the region and cater to users of all ages and skill levels.
In Fall 2022, Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley contacted the City regarding the availability of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding that may be allocated for City projects and authorized an amount of $2 million towards the Skatepark expansion project. The City Council at their meeting of December 6, 2022, approved the projects for funding and authorized the City Manager to execute necessary agreements.
On November 7, 2023, the City Council awarded a design services contract to David Volz Design/Spohn Ranch to provide design services for the Skatepark expansion project.
A first community outreach meeting was held on April 24, 2024, to obtain input on features they would like to see in the new expansion. The community expressed interest in a pump track, bowls, ramps, and a variety of beginner to intermediate elements in the expanded skatepark. A virtual survey was also conducted to solicit input. A total of 49 surveys were returned expressing the need for similar improvements and design, to minimizing overcrowding of skating features. A summary of input from the outreach meeting are included in Attachment 1.
ANALYSIS:
DVD Architects/Spohn Ranch, based on input from the community meeting and key stakeholders, developed conceptual plans for the Skatepark expansion. Detailed and three-dimensional renderings of the preferred concept plan will be presented at a community outreach meeting to be held on March 12, 2025, at Davis Magnet School. The preferred concept plan (Attachment 2) includes the following four major improvement elements:
• Clover Pool (9’)
• Pump Track
• Snake Run
• Street Area
The design includes accessible pathways to meet Americans with Disability Act (ADA) requirements between existing and proposed expansions. The concept plan for expansion preserves as many existing natural features and trees as possible.
Staff will present results from the community outreach meeting orally at the Parks and Community Services (PACS) meeting. Staff requests Commission approval of the Concept Plan for final design. Following this approval, the consultants will proceed with the completion of the final design documents. Staff anticipates initiating construction of the project in Fall 2025 with expected completion by Summer 2026.
ALTERNATIVES:
The proposed improvements have been developed utilizing community input and feedback. The Commission may choose to provide suggestions to revise the proposed conceptual design plan or recommend staff to pursue a different design plan.
FISCAL REVIEW:
The City received federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in the amount of $2,000,000 through Supervisor Katrina Foley and the County of Orange for the design and construction of this project. The City Council included this funding as part of the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This item is administrative in nature and no legal review is necessary.
CONCLUSION:
Staff requests that the Parks and Community Services (PACS) Commission review and recommend the conceptual design plan for the proposed expansion at Costa Mesa Skatepark located at 900 Arlington Drive.