Clarification on Location of Skatepark

There’s been some confusion in the community about an annarbor.com article that came out in this past week ( http://www.annarbor.com/news/dda-to-vote-on-50000-grant-for-ann-arbor-sk... ). We’ve gotten many comments from community members asking why we’re going to the DDA for funding, and how that funding could even be used for the skatepark, since the location for the skatepark is Veterans Memorial Park (outside of the DDA area).

I feel that it’s important we point out that the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark was approached by Newcombe Clark with the resolution for DDA funding that he wanted to bring for a vote before the DDA. The Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark declined to support the resolution because we could not figure out how the dollars could be used for the skatepark, unless the skatepark was moved. This is not an option. We spent over a year working with the Park Advisory Commission, Parks staff, and city council members to find the most appropriate location for the skatepark. Here's the site selection criteria that we used during that process:

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SITE SELECTION

The first step in building a skatepark is determining the appropriate location. Many factors are
considered when choosing a site. The following is a list of siting criteria the Skatepark Action
Committee used in determining that Veteran’s Memorial Park is an ideal location:

Access

Skateparks should be accessible to the broader community. A remote skatepark will only
attract those people who have the means to reach it. The skatepark should be placed in an
area that is easy to get to and find.

• Is the site convenient to public transit?
• Do people know where the site is? Can its location be easily described?
• Is there existing parking for park users or their parents?
• Can you see what’s going on in the space from a distance
• Is the site within walking distance of the target user?

Comfort

Often overlooked, comfort is a way of expressing that the users are an important and valued
part of the community. A comfortable environment allows people to set proper expectations
about the area, use the area in a way that is natural and intended, and ultimately take pride in
this "third place." For many skaters, the skatepark will become the central gathering point for
years. An uncomfortable space will feel unsafe and attract the wrong element.

• Are there public health and comfort amenities available nearby?
• Is there shade, water, seating and restrooms nearby?
• Is the site clean and comfortable?
• Is the site within a reasonable distance to a pay phone or market?

Activity

The surrounding skatepark area should be active with other users. This diversity keeps the
environment interesting and vibrant; without it, the space will feel "overrun" and
homogenous...a place for "skaters only."

• Is the site active with a diversity of uses?
• Are the other activities compatible with the athleticism of skateboarding?
• Is athletic activity at the site desired?

Sociability

Skateboarders are generally passionate and committed individuals. Like most people, skaters
would rather recreate with others than alone. Non-skaters who happen to be nearby can add to
the overall sense of community inclusion at the skatepark; the facility should be designed for
lots of community mixing.

• Is the site adjacent to other social uses?
• Will skaters feel inclusive and not partitioned away?
• Does the site allow for passive supervision?
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In the past, I've had conversations with DDA members about the viability of a downtown skate-spot. There are DDA members who would be supportive of this, if done correctly and planned out accordingly. DDA area skate spots are something that the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark may pursue in the future, but we have no intention of doing so now. Our focus is securing funding for the Ann Arbor Skatepark that will be located at Veterans Memorial Park.

Trevor Staples
Chair, Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark