SKATE PARK

SKATE PARK. Dubuque constructed one of Iowa's first municipal skate parks in 1999. In 2015 the city had above-ground ramps on CHAPLAIN SCHMITT ISLAND and at COMISKEY PARK. Modern parks are continuous concrete pours recessed in the ground that lead participants from one feature to another without needing to stop. Many of those interested in a modern skate park belonged to Kids in Dubuque Skate. (1)

Funding for a new skate park included $400,000 for one at Usha Park in Kennedy Road and Pennsylvania. The original funding was made in October 2006 and scheduled to be available in 2010. This was later moved to 2012 and then eliminated. In 2006, $183,500 was allocated for a small skate park and two tennis courts at Veterans Memorial Park. These funds were also later eliminated from the budget. (2)

In August 2015, the Dubuque City Council awarded a $16,295 contract to Pillar Design Studios, of Chicago, to help design, find a location, and raise funds for a larger skate park that includes street and park-style elements, obstacles and terrain. The goal was to appeal to beginning and well as experienced skaters as well as BMX bikers and those on scooters. (3)

The city of Dubuque committed $600,000 to the skate park project if skate park users raised $200,000 in grants and private donations toward the final cost of $800,000. (4)

Conceptual designs for the proposed park were discussed on December 15, 2015 with more than forty Dubuque-area skaters of all ages. A recommended design and location was expected to be ready to present to the public in two months. (5)

In March 2016 FLORA PARK was emerging as the likely site for the park. Other places considered were Usha Park and within the Lower Bee Branch restoration project near 15th and Pine STREETS. (6)

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Source:

1. Barton, Thomas J. "Skate Park Proposal on a Roll," Telegraph Herald, November 10, 2015, p. 1

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. Ibid.

5. Barton, Thomas J. "Skate Park Design Has 'More Flow,'" Telegraph Herald, December 16, 2015, p. 1

6. Barton, Thomas J. "Skate Park Momentum Rolls Toward Flora," Telegraph Herald, March 18, 2016, p. 1.