SkatePark to break ground September 29
New skatepark planned for South Kitsap Regional Park

(Port Orchard) - After many years of volunteer and government efforts Kitsap County will break ground for a new skatepark at South Kitsap Regional Park near Port Orchard. A ceremonial ground breaking will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at Noon. The skatepark will be located along the southern edge of the park near the Lund Avenue park entrance. “The South Kitsap Skatepark Association has been extremely helpful in getting us to this point’, said Commissioner Charlotte Garrido. “They have raised funds and support for the skatepark in so many ways including the Birkenfeld Foundation, Port Orchard Rotary and the Tony Hawk Foundation.”

The competition grade destination skatepark will include a 7,000 square foot bowl with 7,700 square feet of skate plaza featuring landscaping and spectator seating. The clearing and grading for a perimeter pathway along the Lund and Jackson frontages of the park will be included. The construction represents approximately two-thirds of the project design. The remaining balance of 8,000 square foot expansion will complete the skatepark in the future when additional funding is acquired.

Grindline Skateparks of Seattle was awarded the construction contract on September 10. Construction is anticipated to start October 1 and last approximately 24 weeks. Total cost of the contract is $740,478.24. Funding has come from fund-raising efforts of the South Kitsap Skate Park Association (SKSPA) and from the Kitsap County Parks & Recreation parks capitol fund. Other noteworthy contributors include MoonDogs Too, Fred Meyer, and Walmart.

South Kitsap Regional Park, acquired in 2007, is a 221-acre site, with 65-acres of active use. Other features of the park include hiking trails, baseball and soccer fields, a batting cage, horseshoe courts, playground, picnic shelters and a 7 ½” gauge Live Steamers railroad.

SKSPA volunteers will assist Kitsap County with maintenance and event scheduling at the skatepark, and are continuing fund-raising efforts for the next phase of construction. Please find them on Facebook. For additional information please contact Ric Catron, Park Project Coordinator at 360.337.5361.