We’ve just received this timely information from Lisa Ash. Since it’s a longish, two-page document, I’ll present the first paragraph here, and you can continue reading it by clicking on the link. Thank you, Lisa———–Ed
A Quick Primer Regarding Skateparks and Memorial Park
1. History. The City has been working to determine a location for a possible skatepark,
responding to a request made in 2006 by the Skatepark Coalition (associated with The Key).
After the Park Board failed to recommend a site that was acceptable to the Council, the Council
relieved the Park Board of this responsibility. After discussions within the Council (at work
sessions and formal meetings), the Council has reduced possible locations to three candidate
parks sites, of which Memorial Park and Babcock Park are generally considered the most likely
contenders, and with Memorial Park strongly favored by some members of the Skateboard
Coalition and apparently favored by some members of the Council.
So far the Council has not announced what additional opportunities for public input, if any, will
be provided. There is also no clear timetable for deciding on a location. It would appear that the
best chance citizens have to make their opinions known is by a) writing Council members, b)
speaking with Council members, c) attending Council meetings dealing with these issues, and d)
speaking at Council meetings.
2. Concerns & Objections. Many residents in the Memorial Park neighborhood have
expressed concerns or opposition to the siting of a park in Memorial Park, usually evoking the
following reasons:
• Loss of green space. A master plan (concept plan) for Memorial Park was devised in
2006, at the time the new swimming pool was constructed. While a master plan is no
guarantee of future development, the consultant hired by the City at that time was
categorical, indicating that no additional amenities (after the pool) should be added to this
park; any more would leave the park with too little green space. (This recommendation
was recorded in the City Council’s minutes.)
• Noise and disturbance. While there are surprisingly few guidelines available for the
construction of skateparks, there is some consensus that residential areas are not
suitable locations:
o A pamphelet by the State of Pennsylvania
(http://carrollcitizens.com/files/SkatePark.pdf) recommends a setback from
residential property of at least 150 yards (which is impossible in the dimensions
of Memorial Park).
o Certain pro-skating websites concur: On the site
http://www.skateparkdesign.com/general.html they recommend that skateparks
be constructed “Away from residential areas —The noise of skateboarding isn’t
compatible with a residential development” (italics added).
o Even the director of Skateboard Development at Spohn Ranch Skateparks (the
outfit that may provide the Northfield park) has suggested a 50-yard setback
from residential property — which is very tight for Memorial Park. A greater
setback could be necessary depending on materials. (Souce: e-mail exchange.)
• Lack of information. The City will not yet provide indications of size, materials,
design, or even the probable location for a skatepark within the candidate parks for the
skatepark. All experts agree that design, materials and location have a large impact on
the “sound footprint” of a park, and it is hard to imagine determining a location before
having this information.
• Past Practice. For the sake of comparison, neighbors of Memorial Park have tried to
find existing skateparks elsewhere in the metro area that are nestled in residential areas.
If assertions that such a location is appropriate are right, such comparable sites should
exist. We have found none, and our request to the Skateboard Coalition to point us to
any such sites has not been responded to.
3. The City’s Guidelines. The City does have some guidelines that would seem to make
Memorial Park a curious choice for a skatepark. These guidelines are found in the Northfield
Parks, Open Spaces, and Trail System Plan (NPOSTSP), presented by the Northfield Planning
Commission and formally adopted by the Northfield City Council.
The NPOSTSP specifically defines a Community Park thus:
Community parks serve a broader purpose than neighborhood parks. Focus is on
meeting community-based recreational needs, as well as preserving unique landscapes,
and open spaces. Size varies, depending on function. 20 acres minimum preferred,
with 40 or more acres optimal. Service area can be community-wide or several
neighborhoods in a given area of the city. (NPOSTSP, 3.2)
The above description would make Memorial Park a curious candidate for a community park (it
is only a little over 10 acres — the preferred size the NPOSTSP cites for neighborhood parks).
Indeed, on p. 3.9 of the NPOSTSP, it is not included in the main list of community parks. Later,
on page 3.10, it is added with special status — as a mix of community park and neighborhood
park:
In addition to the downtown parks, the successful development of the outdoor pool at
Memorial Park establishes it as a community park, although it also functions as a
neighborhood park for the surrounding neighborhood. (NPOSTSP, 3.9)
Appendix A (A.37) of the NPOSTSP provides information on the kinds of locations where a skate
park would be appropriate. ”Community Park” locations are given two diamonds for this, which
is defined as “Appropriate on a limited basis (desirable only if need is documented and/or if a
more desirable location is not available).” Of course, as we see above, Memorial Park is not even
fully a community park (in part because it is too small, in part because it needs to also serve as a
neighborhood park). As a comparison, it may be useful to see what other kinds of activities are
more desirable (three stars) than a skatepark in a Community Park according to this chart —
such as an “archery range” (NPOSTSP, A.37)!
The same appendix indicates the most appropriate locations (three diamonds) for a skate park
are “Youth Athletic Complex” or “Special Use” areas. On the NPOSTSP map, Babcock and
Sechlar are referred to as athletic complexes.
On page 3.10 of the NPOSTSP, the description of Babcock Park states that “this park is underutilized.”
Note that Babcock Park (North and South together) measure some 58 acres — over
five times the size of Memorial.
Provided by:
Scott Carpenter
602 Prairie St.
Northfield, MN 55057
scarpent@carleton.edu
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