September 15, 2022 |
The long-awaited skate park opened in Rawlins Wednesday. The ramps and other features can be enjoyed by recreationists with skateboards, bikes, scooters, roller blades, and other non-motorized vehicles. The ramps are located on the old tennis courts at Key Club Park on at 800 Colorado Street. Using the former tennis court saved money.
In March of this year, city council appropriated $70,000 to develop the skate park. Without repurposing the old courts, a concrete base would have needed to be poured—eating up most of the budget. Over the weekend, professional installers from Oregon secured the half-pipe, quarter-pipes and ramps to the existing concrete base.
City Manager Sean Metcalf told Bigfoot 99 that the ramps, grind rails and other equipment installed for this week’s opening is just the beginning. More is coming next year.
Donations from various businesses and community organizations have been set aside to install the next phase of the skate park, which includes other modular elements to expand the experience for users.
The skate park is part of the redevelopment of Key Club Park. The centrally located area is also home to the dog park, a playground, and other amenities. Mayor Terry Weickum last week complimented Parks and Recreation Director Jason Sehon for improving that part of the city to the benefit of residents and visitors alike.
City staff held two town hall meetings to gather community feedback on the skate and dog parks. They also visited middle school students during their lunch breaks on two occasions, which one staffer described as “lots of fun.” An online survey also collected feedback from the community.
City Manager Sean Metcalf said this week that the dog park is already being enjoyed by more than just residents.
Parks and Recreation staff is applying for grants and preparing estimates for other potential improvements, including expanded parking, vault toilets, and more shade structures. The small parking lot at Key Club Park won’t be able to handle all the traffic expected at the new recreating area. Parking along Colorado Street is encouraged.
