Deputy
Commissioner of Parks and Recreation Andrew Rabb said this will be the first
public skate park in Buffalo.
The
current design budget is $250,000. The plaza will be two acres, built on an
area of the park previously used for storage.
“We’re
looking to provide a safe place for skaters to skate and people to come
together,” Rabb said. “Skating is something that crosses every type of social
barrier.”
The
city held public forums on Sept. 26 and Oct. 17 to incorporate feedback from
the local skate community in the design process.
New
Line Senior Design Manager Bill Gurney said New Line’s services will carry the
project through the design phase.
“We
are currently in the later stages of the concept phase,” he said. “From here we
will transition into the design phase where any workshop participants can
substitute suggestions about the design. Then we’ll close the door and prepare
the construction design.”
Rabb
said New Line will be getting the final design out next month when they begin
the bidding process. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring. By Brian Alexander and Jennifer Waters
