Construction is set to commence on a vibrant new skate park in Evanson, a project expected to span six months and infuse the city with a recreational hotspot. The future epicenter of local skating activities, this innovative undertaking is destined to be built on the east end of Twiggs Park, between the North Shore Channel and Green Bay Road.
The park, designed with a generous 10,000 square-foot concrete layout, will provide an expansive and dynamic space for skaters. However, this facility is about more than just the skate surfaces and obstacles. The project includes an array of components designed to foster an engaging, accessible, and safe environment. These include:
- Pathways
- Seat walls
- Security lighting
- New landscaping
- Drainage facilities
- Shade structure
As with any significant construction project, there will be some inconveniences, such as temporary parking restrictions on nearby streets. However, the city staff promises to work diligently to minimize these disruptions. A crucial element of the project also includes the relocation of an existing bike path, ensuring all modes of wheeled transportation are catered for in this transformative project. Minooka-based Hacienda Landscaping, a seasoned general contractor, has been enlisted to oversee the project.
Several potential sites for this skate park had been proposed, including:
- Butler Park
- Beck Park
- Mason Park
- James Park
However, following intensive public engagement efforts in spring 2021, Twiggs Park was deemed the most suitable location. The city's steps towards this ambitious project involved a range of activities including securing a grant of $400,000 from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space and Land Acquisition and Development program, and hiring a consultant team for design.
The skate park is a product of public vision and professional expertise. Evanson residents played a vital role in the park's design, selecting a concept featuring a closed bowl with a shallow bonus area at the north end. The park includes four zones: the entry, intermediate street, advanced bowl, and beginner bonus areas, each designed to cater to different skill levels and styles of skating.
The Patch states that skate park designer Vince Onel, from Spohn Ranch, developed the space to have a cohesive flow. Jodi Mariano, the project manager from Teska Associates, mentioned that the designers' goal was to provide something unique from other skate parks in the region.
The economic benefit of a well-designed skate park cannot be overstated. Providing a dedicated space reduces maintenance costs associated with damage to unmarked areas and attracts visitors from outlying communities. The city council recognized this potential and unanimously approved a $1.757 million contract for the skate park's construction.
The city’s last skate park was operational in the 1990s and utilized wood equipment that deteriorated over time. Now, Evanson is ready for a fresh, modern space that combines utility with aesthetic appeal. The new park will provide an opportunity for both beginners and advanced skaters to have a dedicated, well-designed area to practice and enjoy their sport.
In conclusion, this skate park project is an exciting testament to the commercial construction industry's capacity to craft spaces that foster community and excitement. This is not merely an infrastructure project; it is a statement of how thoughtful design and construction can create vibrant public spaces that cater to diverse needs.
Through this project, Evanson sets an inspiring precedent for future urban development, showcasing how a city can be more than just buildings and roads - it can be a platform for community engagement, an arena for skills development, and a canvas for unique artistic expression.
