ARPA Award Cle Elum Skate Park (3)

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Commissioners: The Rotary Club of Upper Kittitas County Foundation (Rotary) seeks Kittitas County's support to complete the Cle Elum Skatepark Project, a joint venture of the Rotary Club of Upper Kittitas County Foundation (Rotary), Cle Elum Skatepark Committee (CESC), City of Cle Elum (City),and the local community. The CESC and Rotary are sponsoring the design and construction of a new 11,000 sq ft modern concrete skatepark at the City-owned park for skaters and wheeled users of all ages and abilities. Rotary hired Grindline Skateparks, an internationally renowned skatepark design build company, who completed the design for the entire skatepark in June 2022. Rotary and the CESC raised over$285,000 and constructed Phase 1 in the summer of 2023. Following construction of Phase 1,CESC and Rotary raised $110,000 in private funding and the City of Cle Elum recently committed $170,000, providing $280,000 of the$450,000 needed to complete Phase 2. If we can quickly raise the difference of$170,000, Grindline is willing to adjust their construction schedule to complete the final phase in 2024. Rotary seeks $170,000 in funding to complete Phase 2,the final 6,500 sq feet(66%) of the skatepark. Situated in the heart of Cle Elum,the project serves as a focal point within Cle Elum City Park. The park caters to our local community and is the most popular family gathering space in the area. The park is centrally located within upper county communities and the school district. The skatepark is accessible from our multi-school campus,via a one mile lighted multi-modal path. The free Kittitas County Connector bus operated by HopeSource stops at the park multiple times daily, providing safe transportation to the park from upper county locations. Additionally, the Connector includes daily service between upper and lower county, making the skatepark accessible to youth from Ellensburg,where there is only a very outdated metal skatepark. Goods, services,and medical response are nearby. The location increases its value to the local youth whose recreational options are otherwise limited. This project replaces a hazardous skatepark to meet modern safety standards and recreational needs. Phase 1 construction included site preparation for both project phases (clearing, grading, in-ground drainage, etc.). Phase 2 constructs the final 6,500 sq ft of the footprint. At this time, the unfinished footprint is a large open area with mulch to reduce erosion with vulnerable vertical PVC drain pipes that remain exposed until Phase 2 is completed. The longer this infrastructure sits,the greater risk of damage and loss of previously invested funding. Since completion of Phase 1, usage of the skatepark has been high, averaging between 20 and 50 skaters a day. This high use creates congestion and waitlines for skatepark features. As a result,the community is very motivated to complete Phase 2 of the skatepark by 2025. Phase 2 construction ensures space and safe circulation for rollers of all skill levels and keeps pace with projected population growth. Additionally, once complete the project will result in the only updated skatepark facility in Kittitas County, providing a safe recreational venue for youth countywide and addressing the need for accessible outdoor activities.