HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-10-039 - Skatepark Planning ProcessREPORT
REPORT TO:
Community Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING:
June 21, 2010
SUBMITTED BY:
Jim Witmer, Director of Operations
PREPARED BY:
Sarah Longstaff, Planning Assistant
WARD(S) INVOLVED:
All
DATE OF REPORT: June 11, 2010
REPORT NO.:
CSD-10-039
SUBJECT:
SKATEPARK PLANNING PROCESS
RECOMMENDATION:
For information.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The purpose of this report is to update Community Services Committee on the status of the
skatepark planning study, outline the skatepark site selection process and discuss the site
selection criteria.
BACKGROUND:
In 2005, the Leisure Facilities Master Plan recommended that additional skateboard facilities be
developed in Kitchener to provide more opportunities for youth to participate in this type of
activity. Currently there is one skateboard park located at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium
Complex and one portable unit that is rotated to various Community Centres throughout the
summer (Forest Heights, Doon Pioneer Park, Country Hills, Chandler Mowat, Stanley Park,
Kingsdale and Centreville-Chicopee). Construction for the McLennan Park skatepark is
scheduled to start in the summer of 2010, with completion by the end of 2010 (see Appendix -
Current Skatepark Locations Map).
Council has approved a budget for two more skateparks to be constructed in 2014/15 and
2016/2017. Approximately $550,000 has been approved for the design and construction of each
additional skatepark. A site selection process and community consultation on the preferred
locations and skatepark features will precede the final design and construction phases. This
skatepark planning study will recommend the location of the two future skateparks.
REPORT:
The first step in planning for the two future skateparks is to identify optimal locations in
Kitchener. Deciding where to locate a skatepark requires careful consideration of several
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factors. In order to assess potential locations, staff has developed a site selection criteria matrix
to evaluate the merits of city-owned lands as potential sites. The process of evaluating each
potential site against these criteria and applying point values will result in a short list of preferred
sites suitable for development. Sites that score high when evaluated in the matrix will be given
serious consideration and will be reviewed more closely.
The matrix is as follows:
Skatepark Site Selection Criteria Matrix
Site Criteria ConsiderationsScore
Are there sufficient numbers of users in
Potential Users the service area to warrant skatepark
development?
Could the site be integrated with the
existing surroundings?
Location
Surrounding Environment
Is there potential for viewing areas and
informal seating?
Proximity to Surrounding Is the site an adequate distance from
Residential Areas residential dwellings?
Achievable Skatepark Area Is the site adequate size?
Can the proposed site accommodate
Opportunity To Expand
potential future expansion?
Does the topography require minimum
construction implications?
Physical Site
Topography
Are there minimal drainage requirements
Conditions
for the site?
Can the site facilitate no net loss of
mature or significant trees?
Vegetation
Is there vegetation to provide comfort,
wind protection and shade?
Public Transport Is there easy access to public transport?
Pedestrian Access Are there pedestrian connections?
ParkingIs there adequate parking?
Accessibility and Visibility Is the proposed site visible to the street?
Access and
Does the site have good public
Security
surveillance?
Surveillance
Does the site have easy access for
police and emergency response
vehicles?
Restrooms
Drinking Water
Supporting
Are there public amenities nearby to
Infrastructure
support skatepark users?
Food
Lighting
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Once staff has identified potential sites for the location of the future skateparks, the public will
be given the opportunity to provide their input on the identified sites. Workshops will be
scheduled throughout the summer and early fall of 2010 to gather information, discuss desirable
skatepark locations and begin preliminary discussion on design ideas. Following staff evaluation
of potential locations, a shortlist of preferred skatepark locations will be developed and
discussed at Public Open Houses in early fall 2010 in order to receive feedback from the
broader community. Upon receiving input from the public, other city departments and agencies,
Staff will prepare a report for Community Services Committee in late fall 2010 for final approval
of the two preferred site selections.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Existing Capital Budget allocation:
2014 - $50,000 (design), 2015 - $500,000 (construction)
2017 - $550,000 (design & construction)
COMMUNICATIONS:
A public review and comment period will occur throughout the summer and fall of 2010 in order
to solicit comment from the interested public participants and user groups of skateparks.
CONCLUSION:
This report summarizes the key site selection criteria considered important when assessing the
appropriateness of a location for a skatepark. The criteria will be used to determine the location
of two future skateparks in Kitchener. Completing the skatepark planning study meets the
objectives of the Leisure Facilities Master Plan and Park Master Plan.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Pauline Houston, General Manager, Community Services Department
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