A new skate park that’s half the size of a professional football field is expected to open in San Juan Capistrano by year’s end.
Plans for the 28,300-square-foot facility moved forward during a Jan. 19 city council meeting, when council awarded a design contract to Grindline Skateparks Inc.
“I think it’s important for our youth,” said San Juan Capistrano councilmember Sergio Farias. “This is exciting for our city and our youth. You won’t see me there, but it’s great for the people that will use it.”
The skate park design firm received a $145,445 contract, which is a fraction of the project’s $3.5 million cost.
About $3.1 million of the funding came from the city’s park and recreation fund, while the remaining money came from bond and grant funds.
The park is set to be built on city-owned farmland currently operated by The Ecology Center, adjacent to the city’s sports park and community center.
According to the council’s agenda report, a skate park has been a goal for the city since the mid-2000’s.
“For over a decade, members of the San Juan Capistrano community have expressed interest in a city skate park,” it says. “In 2007, a skate park facility was identified as a community priority as part of a citywide recreation needs assessment.”
One San Juan Capistrano resident was happy that the city is getting serious about the park.
“We spend a lot of time and a lot of money going to other cities to skate. We spend money at their restaurants, we spend money everywhere doing everything,” she said during the meeting. “It’d be nice to have a little place for us to come and spend our money here instead.”
The park will be free to use and have skate areas for different ages and skill-levels. BMX and scooter riders will also be able to ride there.
The facility is set to be completed by the end of 2021.
