HomeMy WebLinkAbout0135.091January 31, 1991
THE HONORAB~E CITY COUNCIL
palo Alto, California
Members of the Council:
This is an informational report concerning the skateboard facility
which has been constructed as part of the third phase of Greer Park
Development. No council action is required.
Backgr~
Council approved a construGtion contract on JUly 23. 1990 for
developing approximately 12 acres of Greer Park (CMR:409.0). One
element of the contract includes a 5.000 square foot concrete
skateboard facility located in the southerly end of t~e park near
Colorado Avenue.
Qiscussion
Stafr had planned to open the skateboard facility when all park
construction was completed in the spring ~ Hew-ever, once the
skateboard facility element was completed in early January, it
became extremely difficult to secure the area from unauthoriz.ed
usage. Skateboarders were found climbing over the perimeter
security fencing, and crossing areas of the park still under
construction.
In order to protect newly planted vegetation from damage an~ allow
the contractor to continue work without endangering skateboarders,
~ additional fence has been installed around the facility and on
both sides of a path leading from the skateboard site to Colorado
Avenue. Signs have been placed along Colorado Avenue directinq
users to th.e path. Since this was done on January 18, 1991,
skateboarders have accessed the site along the new fenced pathway.
The skateboard facility has attracted a substantial number of
USerS4 Staff has observed that the site can be conqested with as
many as 70 skateboarders at one time during weekends, and 30 to 50
users during the weekdays. There appears to be a mix of skilled
and beginner skateboarders with va~inq abilities, ranging in age
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CHR'1JS,91
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trOD 10 to 30 years old~ Staff is developing plans for superv~s1n9
the skateboard facility to assist in providing a sate environment.
Zt appears that ~any skateboarders come trcm outside the Palo Alto
iamediate area and arrive ~ vehicle. It is quite common to see
cars parked on both sides of Colorado Avenue between west sayshore
Road and Simkins Court. Staff is concerned that once the entire
park is open to the public, the additional vehicular traffic
qenerated by users of the soccer fields, baseball fields and picnic
areas could adversely ~ffect the availability ot parking on
Colorado AVenue and Simkins: Court. To correct this potential
problem, sta,tf is investigating the possible use of the vacant
Greer Park Phase IV site at the corner of Colorado Avenue and west
Bayshora Frontaqe Road tor temporary overflew parkinq. This area
is SCheduled to be developed!, in two years and will include a
permanent parking lot~ tennis courts and restroom facility.
staff will continue to monitor the skateboard facility and resolve
potential problems resulting from its use.
ADAI!S
of Publ' works
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CMR:135:91
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