Work to Begin Next Week on City Skate Park

Work on Washington’s new skate park at Optimist Park on East Ninth Street will begin Monday, according to Darren Dunkle, parks director.

“I’m very excited to get this going,” Dunkle said. “I know that people in the community are anxious to get it going and I’m glad we’re finally to a point where we can begin construction.”

The notice to proceed was issued to American Ramp Company, doing business as Hardcore Shotcrete Skateparks Wednesday afternoon.

The company has 90 days to complete the park.

“We anticipate it will take less time, but it is dependent on weather,” Dunkle said.

Rules and regulations for the park have not yet been set.

It is expected to include two half pipes with a spine in the middle of them, stairsets, a pyramid with a flat top, and other features.

The park, which will be free and open to the public, is being designed for skateboarding and in-line skating.

The contract price for the skate park is $250,263, Dunkle said.

A total of $250,000 was allocated in the city’s 2011-12 half-cent capital improvement sales tax budget for the skate park.