A great deal of thought and research has gone into the discussion and relocation of the new North Ogden Skate Park. Several council meetings, as well, have been the focus.
Mayor Taylor, of North Ogden, conducted a poll on Facebook, in which he asked the community where their choice of a new skate park should be. The poll was not a vote to decide the location, but rather, five City Council members were chosen as representatives of the people and they took the final vote. The two choices narrowed down to Wadman Park or the North Ogden Park.
In the end, the result is that the North Ogden Skate Park will be built on the existing volleyball court at the North Ogden Park. The volleyball courts will then be relocated up near the museum.
Because of the topography, the skate park, itself, would be about 10,000 square feet. This is smaller than the current skate park which is 13,000 square feet. However, the new skate park would have an area for expansion. The $214,000 Weber County is paying to relocate the Skate Park would cover the entire cost for this park and relocating the volleyball courts (no out of pocket money needed from the City taxes).
However, the City Council is considering building a “skate path” around the track which would increase the cost of this option by about $30,000. The track, is, however, optional, and the $214,000 could be used just to build the park and move the volleyball courts.
The Wadman Park appeared to be out of the mix for the new Skate Park in North Ogden because it is not centrally located.
A contractor is planning on being selected by early February and starting construction as soon as possible—based on weather. Currently, there is a Request for Qualifications publicly seeking companies to bid on the Skate Park project. After proposals are received there will be a decision made.
The Weber County Library, North Branch, needs the Skate Park property to be turned over by March 1st. The property will be used for additional parking for the library and also partially for the amphitheater area. The library also expects construction to begin in early March. Their plans have been approved by North Ogden Planning Commission and they are approved to begin renovations.
According to Mayor Taylor, “I think the skate park is important to preserve. In the negotiations with Weber County, I wanted to make sure that the County would pay the cost to relocate the skate park, so it would not be lost. I was able to gain this agreement, and Weber County is paying the entire cost of relocating the skate park.”
Mayor Taylor also feels the park is important to him because, “There are so many young people, in our City, who use this park. It is one of our most popular parks and provides a fun place for young people to use their talents and skills on bicycles, skate boards, roller blades and scooters. It is a great park for our young people and I’m glad to see it relocated!”
