San Juan Capistrano picked a construction team to spearhead work on its planned new skatepark -- which is now expected to be completed by May.
The City Council unanimously agreed to contract with C.S. Legacy Construction -- the company the city determined to have the lowest responsible bid for the skatepark project -- during its latest meeting. The company, according to a staff report, is behind other projects around San Juan Capistrano, including the Putuidem Village project and the Verdugo Street beautification project.
Construction on the skatepark is set to commence at the end of the month, said Assistant City Manager Matisse Reischl, and take about six months to complete.
The City Council also agreed to allocate an additional $1.36 million for the project, bringing the total proposed funding to nearly $6.8 million, per the staff report.
To be located in the corner of the city-owned Kinoshita Farm property, the 20,000-square-foot skatepark has been in the works since 2017, but faced setbacks and delays.
The skatepark is designed for beginner to intermediate skill levels and will be enclosed by a rustic, hog-wire fence that won't be conducive to climbing, officials said. It will include other features, including a seating area, playground, restrooms and drinking fountain. Design elements will be an homage to the farm property, according to Reischl.
The skatepark will be near the community center and other sports fields, and the city's plans include a new multi-use pedestrian trail to connect from Via Positiva to the skatepark and Camino Del Avion.
Noting that the skatepark has "been a long, long time" coming, Councilmember John Taylor said he had hoped at one time for his son to be able to utilize the skatepark. Now, Taylor said, he's looking for it to be ready for his grandchildren to use.
"I think it's a very important day to award this contract," said Taylor.
The city of Dana Point - the project is near the border between the cities - has agreed to contribute $25,000 annually for the park's maintenance once it's completed, Reischl said.