The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutWD-51-98 UNFINISHED BUSINESS THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON REPORT Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE File# Date: OCTOBER 5, 1998 Res• # By-Law# Report#: WD-51-98 File#: Subject: SKATEPARK—GARNET B.RICKARD RECREATION COMPLEX Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report WD-51-98 be received for information; and 2. THAT the detailed design and cost estimates for the development of a skateparlc at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex site be completed this year and that the construction of the facility be referred to the Municipality's 1999 Capital Budget and Four-Year Forecast. REPORT 1.0 ATTACHMENTS No. 1: Key Map and Conceptual Skatepark Design 2.0 BACKGROUND 2.1 The Municipality's 1998 Capital Budget and Four-Year Forecast provides $20,000 for the development of a skateboard park("skateparlc") at the Garnet B.Rickard Recreation Complex site. This budget item includes the preparation of conceptual and detailed designs,both of which are necessary for the implementation and construction of this project. Public Works Staff liaised with a local skateboard youth group,to gather information and discuss various skateboard elements that should be incorporated into a typical skatepark design. These meetings resulted in an understanding of the skateboarding elements and the user group skill level (beginner to advanced)that the final design of the skateparlc should incorporate. PA ERR RECYCLE 1 U ! THIS IS PRIMED QY RECYCLED PAPER REPORT NO.: WD-51-98 PAGE 2 The Landscape Architecture firm of Cosburn Giberson Consultants Inc. has prepared a conceptual design for a skateboard park at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex site. This firm is quite familiar with this site since they prepared the Community Park Master Plan for the siting of the existing facilities. 3.0 REVIEW AND COMMENT 3.1 Skatepark Site The success of a skatepark relies on the integration of a suitable location with an appropriate design. The proposed location of the skatepark is as shown on Attachment No. 1. The Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex site lends itself as an ideal location for a skatepark because it possesses the following characteristics: a) sufficiently large enough to accommodate the skatepark and effective landscaping; b) centrally located and is accessible by foot,bicycle or public or private transportation; c) separated from adjacent residential areas by an adequate buffer zone; d) located near ancillary facilities (such as a parking lot)and other community facilities; and e) accessible to telephone, first aid or emergency access Although the Rickard Complex site is an ideal location,the design of the skatepark must be compatible with the surrounding architecture and environmental elements,thereby providing continuity between facilities. 3.2 Skatepark Design The design of a skatepark requires the integration of a series of design parameters into one cohesive design. The design parameters that should be addressed are as follows: 1. providing a variety of skateboarding elements; 2. providing a wide range of usability(beginner to advanced); 3. minimizing liability arising from use of the skatepark; 4. minimizing the maintenance required for the facility; 5. maximizing the aesthetic qualities and integration into surrounding uses; 1 '108 REPORT NO.: WD-51-98 PAGE 3 7. providing high quality and low maintenance construction materials; and 8. providing a cost effective facility The selection of the appropriate construction materials for the park will significantly influence the overall design and usability of the park. Staff reviewed two types of recently constructed skateparks in the area, each of which utilized different construction materials, and assessed the advantages, disadvantages and construction cost of each. Asphalt/Wooden Skatepark Construction Materials: Constructed using an asphalt skating surface and wooden,portable skateboard elements. Advantages: • Low construction and installation costs • Low maintenance cost due to its basic design • Suitable for rollerblading • Accommodates generally beginner and intermediate skill levels • New skill elements can easily be added Disadvantages: • Low aesthetic quality, due to construction material • Higher maintenance costs due to construction material • Limited to basic skateboard elements due to construction material • Skateboard elements are of poorer construction leading to possible liability concerns • Skateboard elements removed for winter season Cost Breakdown: Total Project Costs $43,000 Construction of 4 skateboard elements $10,750 per skateboard element 109 REPORT NO.: WD-51-98 PAGE 4 Concrete Skatepark Construction Materials Constructed using a concrete skating surface with concrete skateboard elements Advantages: • Excellent all-around facility • Sensitive to wide range of age groups and skill levels (beginners to advanced) • Low maintenance, due to concrete construction • Use is not limited to skateboarders only,design elements incorporate rollerbladers very well • Wide range of different skill elements • Aesthetic qualities are high and location is very well integrated with surrounding uses • Easily expandable • Construction allows for potential year-round use Disadvantages: • All concrete construction is more expensive. Cost Breakdown: Total Project Cost $169,000 Construction of 12 skateboard elements $14,100 per skateboard element 3.3 Skatepark Design Selection The concrete skatepark design represents the most suitable type of skateboard facility that compliments being located next to the Garnet B.Rickard Recreation Complex. It is a facility that incorporates a wide variety of skateboard elements in a highly durable concrete construction. This type of facility also services the broadest range of users,beginners through to advanced skill levels, for both skateboarding as well as rollerbladers. Although the construction costs per skateboard element are higher,the quality and quantity of the skateboard elements,durability of the facility, low maintenance costs,potential for year round 1110 REPORT NO.: WD-51-98 PAGE 5 use make this facility the superior product. It is concluded by staff that a concrete skatepark would provide for the most cost-effective use of funds and land, over the long term. 3.4 Conceptual Design Our consultants, Cosbum Giberson,have prepared a conceptual plan for our skatepark that is constructed of concrete and incorporates 12 skateboard elements. This conceptual design is shown on Attachment#1.Although we have not commenced the detailed design stage of the project,the estimated cost of our skatepark facility is $167,000. 4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommend that a concrete skatepark should be constructed at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex site as shown in the conceptual design prepared by Cosburn Giberson. It is further recommended that the detailed design and cost estimates be completed this year and that the construction of the facility at the Garnet B.Rickard Recreation Complex site be included in the Municipality's 1999 Capital Budget and Four-Year Forecast. Respectfully submitted, Reviewed by, AN 1 � '�'c,/ 7/ '✓ Stephen A.Vokes,P.Eng., W.H. Stockwell, Director of Public Works Chief Administrative Officer ASC*SAV*ce 30/09/98 f r l 1.1N1, t I i j Sh e6, f - - - - - DURHAM l REGIONAL 5 EXISTING POLICE ASEBALL IAMONDAMOND o SUB IBC' R R AR B. LK� G L.�V` RI HARD SlC PLEX SST HIGH' NO. 2 �/ DRAWN BY. JM DATE: SEPT 1998 ATTACHMENT N0.1 KEY MAP REPORT NO.: WD-51-98