8.2. SR 01-22-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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As a result of the poor wood quality and surface movement, screws constantly work their way above the riding surface resulting in tripping and laceration hazards. The metal transition panels at the bottom of the ramps often are curling and need to be bent back to provide a safe transition. In some cases they had to be fastened to the concrete which is not recommended as it does not allow for expansion and contraction of the materials, creating other problems. Repair Costs The riding surface panels cost $200 -300 per sheet. Staff maximizes the use of each sheet, resulting in the use of smaller pieces and many seams which is not an ideal riding surface. We use about four sheets each year to replace broken /vandalized sections. Ongoing inspections indicate substantial amounts of the substructure would have to be rebuilt to salvage a few more years of use out of the skate park. Staff will present what the repair /replacement costs would be to bring the skate park into safer conditions. The original installation company completed warranty repairs 4 -5 years ago. Parks and Recreation Commission Staff presented the skate park conditions to the commission and recommended removal. Several skateboarders spoke to the commission requesting that if it is removed, that it be replaced quickly because for most of them, it is a home away from home and place to relieve stress. Several mentioned that the "problems" at the skate park are not from skateboarders but other people. A few of the youth mentioned the idea to move the skate park to a new location. The commission directed staff to close the skate park and investigate if the structure is repairable, avoiding the immediate removal of the ramps. They also asked staff to form a committee with the users to explore current and future solutions. At the time of drafting this memo, staff has received contacts from two individuals interested in be on the committee. Park Improvement Fund The skate park condition replacement was first with the City Council at the June 2012 work session on park capital projects. The skate park was recommended as a low priority when compared to the overall extensive list of improvements needed for trails and playgrounds. The Park Improvement Fund list of recommended projects was discussed with the Park and Recreation Commission at a special work session on October 3, 2012. The Commission and staff priorities for 2013 were current trails and playgrounds that need to be replaced and /or repaired with a current cost estimate of $300,000. This list of priorities was presented to City Council at a work session on October 8, 2012. Discussion took place on increasing the transfer from the municipal liquor store to the Park Improvement Fund in order to begin addressing park maintenance project needs. City Council members requested that the funding level of $300,000 recommended by staff be decreased since the annual level for 2012 was at $100,000. Consensus from City Council was for staff to re- evaluate and prioritize the projects with funding less than $300,000. N: \Public Bodies \City Council \Council RCA \Agenda Packet \01 -22- 2013 \Skate Park.dou