Belgrade board tables decision on skatepark expansion design by American Ramp Company

The Belgrade parks board voted to table consideration of a concept-design services contract with American Ramp Company for a proposed skatepark expansion, asking staff to return with more information about site constraints, timelines and funding options.

Staff described American Ramp Company’s proposed work: site visit, concept design for an approximate 5,000-square-foot expansion, and a cost estimate, noting the firm previously worked on the district’s pump track. Staff said the contractor could help identify funding sources and work with the city on safety and regulatory concerns.

Board members raised concerns that a skatepark expansion was not a stated priority in the master plan, questioned whether the current downtown site (trees, sidewalks and existing infrastructure) is the best location and asked whether other undeveloped parks could accommodate a larger or less constrained facility. Members also asked whether the district should use professional-services funds now or preserve them for other projects.

A motion to table the discussion passed so staff can ask American Ramp Company about its pipeline, clarify whether design specifications or safety standards would require updates if the project is delayed, and identify potential funding sources (including available cash-in-lieu park funds). The board asked staff to return with answers and a recommended path forward at a future meeting.