Leadville Herald Story – Dec 2, 2010

Skatepark may inspire other possibilities

by Marcia Martinek
Herald Editor
The Leadville Herald Democrat

Concept Images by Craig Schreiber of LAND ART

Although nothing is carved in concrete yet, it appears that the new skatepark will be at Huck Finn Park, the location of the current skatepark facility.

This appeared to be the consensus when Greg Race and Leaf Treinen appeared at the Nov. 18 meeting of the Lake County Recreation Board to discuss the park.

Race said that as a result of community scoping, the bulk of the support was for the revitalization of Huck Finn Park, although others wanted to see the skatepark at the new Community Park.

In fact, there is sentiment for the revitalization of the entire Huck Finn Park, Race said. A conceptual plan for the entire area was presented by Craig Schreiber, who also provided a drawing of what the skatepark might look like.

Race asked for more guidance. Would the board like to see a master plan for the entire area or should the skatepark committee stick with the new skatepark plus perhaps the resurfacing of the tennis courts and new restrooms?

If a master plan were to be the decision, then Race indicated his committee would back off as it has neither the time nor energy to do the larger project.

Schreiber’s overview of what is possible for the entire park could serve as a catalyst for discussion, Race said.

The skatepark portion of the conceptual plan consists of a gravity park, something that could be drained, which could be a year-around attraction serving skaters, snowboarders, kayakers, bikers and scooters.

Having a year-around attraction might make it easier to get grant funding, something that the skatepark committee is counting on to fund construction.

Treinen pointed out a lot of skateparks don’t allow bikes, but the committee is hoping that the eventual park will be durable enough to allow bikes.

Sterling Mudge, chair of the recreation board, said the Cloud City Wheelers could help leverage the park if bikes are allowed.

“We need to be as inclusive as possible,” Race said adding that some skateparks are warranted except when it comes to bicycle usage.

The plans are to go for a Greater Outdoor Colorado grant to build the park.

No estimates were available at the meeting, although Race spoke of perhaps $30 per square foot for poured concrete.

As a result of the meeting, it seems that the skatepark will be the first priority but with an eye to further phases of revitalization of the Huck Finn Park.

A group of volunteers meets monthly to plan for the new skatepark. See the website skateleadville.wordpress.com for information on the park or send an e-mail to skateleadville@yahoo.com to get involved in the planning for the new skatepark.

A NOTE FROM SKATE LEADVILLE: These are concept drawings, but we need more information from YOU, the park user.  Please visit our Skatepark Builders page to get more ideas on park development.  Things to keep in mind:
1. Street/Plaza Style vs. how many Bowls or Transitions?
2. Ability levels.
3. Aesthetics.

A possible concept for a gravity skatepark at Huck Finn Park is shown in the following drawings.
Drawings by Craig Schreiber of Land Art ©2010

Click on the images below to see a larger rendering.