The Sturgeon Bay Skatepark Initiative (SBSI) invites the public to City Hall this Thursday, February 16 at 7 pm to attend a presentation and feedback session with Grindline Skatepark Design and Construction’s lead designer, Micah Shapiro.
Micah Shapiro
SBSI is a group of skaters, parents and businesses working in conjunction with the Sturgeon Bay Park and Recreation Department to create a safe public place for skateboarders of all levels to recreate. SBSI has contracted with Grindline Design, a national design firm, of Seattle, WA, to draft design plans for a skatepark.
Grindline Design has been working with communities across the country and globe since 1990 and has created over 130 poured concrete skateparks, each individually designed to reflect the needs, desires and budget of the community. Grindline has designed and built award-winning parks from Orcas Island, WA to Okinawa, Japan and Copenhagen, Denmark.
According to SBSI co-chair, Matt Young, getting input from all of the stakeholders is a critical component to creating a skatepark.
“We hope that skaters will attend to give their input on what features they’d like to see incorporated into the park. They’re the ones that are going to be using it. Beyond that, however, we hope that everyone who has an interest in Sturgeon Bay, in recreational opportunities and in kids in general will also attend,” says Young. “This is an opportunity to learn about the process, ask questions and provide feedback.”
In explaining the selection of Grindline Design, Young says, “We wanted to get a nationally-known design company. We did a lot of research and were impressed with Grindline’s creativity, professionalism and integrity and with their commitment to working with all the stakeholders.”
Laurel Hauser, fellow SBSI chair, explains that the group was also impressed with the high value Grindline places on aesthetics as well as functionality. The company is able to incorporate skate-able art into its designs and to use color, texture and landscaping to improve the skatepark for the users and the surrounding community. “We live in a beautiful place that’s known for its artistic talent. We would like this park to reflect that. We would like this park to be an addition the community can be proud of and to attract visitors from all over. We hope that those with an interest in the aesthetics of the skatepark will attend Thursday’s meeting.”
In preparation for Grindline’s visit, local surveyor, Brian Frisque, donated his services to survey the park site. Vander Leest Soil Testing and Steve Baudhuin also donated services. The Sturgeon Bay skatepark will be located next to the west side ball field on the corner of Madison Avenue and Spruce Street and will welcome BMX bikes as well as skateboards.
For more information about the skatepark or the public input session, call Matt Young at 920.559.6880 or Laurel Hauser at 920.743.8990. The Sturgeon Bay Skatepark is a fund of the Door County Community Foundation (DCCF). Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to DCCF, Skatepark Fund, P.O. Box 802, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235.
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