We received the following press release from a group aiming to remodel the current skatepark at Stoney Lakeside Park.
The current skatepark at Stoney Lakeside Park is a direct result of passion and determination from a group of students and a few parents who were determined to provide a safe and fun skateboard area to our community. They raised the funds, volunteers assembled the ramps and with some yearly maintenance hundreds of kids, young and old, enjoy the park every year. Because of the love of our community, the heavy usage and wear on the current equipment, a small group of Lowell citizens have been working hard towards a skatepark remodel and we’re excited to provide our first update!
Jessica Barney, Dan Lixey and Bob Rogers have been meeting since last Summer as well as coordinating with others including potential grant sources, city officials and skatepark design firms. At this point we’ve finalized a concept for the park remodel project with Spohn Ranch which is a skatepark design firm out of California. Our plan is to turn the current skatepark into a concreate park which has many benefits to include virtually no maintenance, quieter, safer and more versatile for others like roller blades, scooters and bikes. Currently we’re fundraising $120,000 for the current park remodel using the existing cement slab and finalizing the design for optimal flow.
Fundraising thus far has gone so well, we asked the city to approve a new concept which includes what skaters call a “pool” or “bowl”. From some that we’ve talked to, this addition would be a great option for more skilled skaters and also bring in skaters from around the West Michigan area. Estimates from Spohn Ranch are coming in at an addition $120,000 for the bowl addition. Once our initial fundraising campaign of $120,000 is complete, we will begin fundraising for this potential awesome addition.
We have a few contingency plans ready if any of the previously mentioned funding falls short. We could scale back the project by purchasing new prefabricated ramps and obstacles and try fundraising for an addition at a later date. Likewise, we have ideas for if more than anticipated funds are received like benches, lights and a drinking fountain.
Lastly, because community involvement is vital for the success of this project, we’re inviting anyone (skaters, parents, potential donors) to attend a public forum scheduled for March 24th at Impact Church starting at 7:30 and wrapping up around 8:30. At this forum, we will introduce the team, give a current update on the project and we’re working on a guest speaker. We’re also anticipating 30 or so minutes for some questions and answers as we’d really like to hear what you want in this park!
Any questions, comments or ideas can get texted or emailed to Bob Rogers
616-299-0022 or [email protected]
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