WORK SESSION of the Greenbelt City Council
Held Wednesday, February 4, 2004
For the purpose of meeting to discuss the skate park proposal.

Mayor Davis started the meeting at 8:04 p.m. It was held in the Multipurpose Room of the Community Center.

PRESENT WERE: Councilmembers Konrad E. Herling, Leta M. Mach, Edward V.J. Putens, Rodney M. Roberts and Mayor Judith F. Davis.

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager; Hank Irving, Director of Recreation; Joe McNeal, Assistant Director of Recreation; and David E. Moran, Assistant to the City Manager.

Mayor Davis began with introductions. There were many residents in attendance, including several skateboard users. Mr. McLaughlin provided some background information.

Mr. McNeal stated that the City had been discussing options with California Skate Park Design for some time. He indicated that there were three options: a flat park with equipment/ramps; a multi-tiered structure; or a concrete bowl. As staff explored these options, the concrete bowl design became the best fit for the site and most appealing to skateboarders. It was noted that this design would cost more that the other options.

Mayor Davis asked for clarification on the costs. Mr. McNeal responded that a 4,500 square-foot park would cost about $125,000 and a 6,000 square foot park would cost about $180,000. Mayor Davis asked about maintenance and lifespan. Mr. McNeal indicated that repairs may be needed to the concrete. Mr. McNeal estimated a 20-year lifespan.

Mr. Roberts asked about the strength of the concrete. Mr. McLaughlin said specifications indicated the concrete strength was 4,000 psi.

Mr. Herling asked how many skateboarders could use the facility at one time. Mr. McNeal was not able to give a specific number. He indicated that very often there are spectators as well as participants and that users watch others as they perform.

Thomas White encouraged the Council to use Program Open Space (POS) funds for this project and move forward on it as soon as possible.

It was suggested that the City provide updates on the skate park in the News Review and possibly the quarterly Recreation Brochure.

Mr. Putens stated that the park seemed small to him. Mr. McNeal noted that this park was on the small side, but that staff was trying to maximize the size of the site.

Several residents expressed concern about the progress of the skate park, saying the skateboarders had been promised a park, and it had not been built. Council responded that the project was moving forward, but the City wanted to make sure this project was done right.

Mr. McLaughlin requested additional guidance from Council. Council directed staff to investigate using POS funds to make up the shortfall. Mr. Roberts asked when Council could get a firm cost estimate. Mr. McLaughlin asked Council to set budget parameters or a range.

Mr. Roberts stressed the need to make this park attractive. He wanted to see more detail on such aspects as landscaping and fencing.

Mr. McLaughlin suggested breaking the project into two pieces, a design contract and a build contract.

Mayor Davis summarized the direction as follows:

Mr. McNeal would work with the News Review to update the community on the process.

Mr. McNeal would mark the site and meet with interested parties on site.

Mr. McLaughlin was directed to look into funding scenarios.

Staff would report back to Council at a regular meeting in March.

The meeting ended at 9:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

David E. Moran
Assistant to the City Manager

City of Greenbelt, Maryland
City Offices, 25 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone: 301-474-8000 FAX: 301-441-8248