J.1. HC20-1366 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE HARBOR COMMISSION TO CITY COUNCIL REGARDING THE POSSIBLE ADVANCEMENT OF PROJECT DEVELOPMENT FOR A SKATING FACILITY AT PARCEL 10 ON THE PIER
I'm writing in opposition to locating a skate park at Parcel 10. I feel the negative impact of Parcel 10 as a location is understated in the materials.
First, the proposal incorrectly categorizes Parcel 10 as "under-utilized." In fact, it is utilized by several large, diverse groups and businesses. The tables at Parcel 10 provide seating for pier restaurants and family picnics and are usually full on the weekends. The area is used for community yoga classes and community events such as holiday parties, concerts and movie nights. Each of these uses brings community and customers to the pier. Parcel 10 could be used for additional events and I would be interested in helping to plan. The report claims the skate park would "contribute to a vibrant atmosphere," but replacing this mixed-use area with a park that serves only a few will have the opposite effect and also hurts local business.
Second, the report does not address the safety of skaters and others. The three paths of egress to Parcel 10 are crowded with people strolling, often children and the elderly, but (1) the path from Kinkaid's down to Parcel 10 is a fabulous ramp (2) the stairwell near Quality Seafood is a great spot for stairway tricks, and (3) the international boardwalk, where it's already hard to keep bikers from biking, despite many signs prohibiting it, will create a thoroughfare for skaters. Each entryway invites skating through crowds of people. Moreover, if an injury were to occur at the park, Parcel 10 is relatively harder to access for emergency medical attention, given the great distance from any parking area.
Third - Construction access has not been explored. The structural integrity of the pier seems to already be in question, given the state of the parking garages. Have you considered how the cement-pouring trucks or machinery will reach Parcel 10?
In summary, a skate park serves a limited number of people, but placing it at Parcel 10, rather than one of the other proposed locations, displaces and causes safety concerns for a great number of people. Locating the park at one of the other locations will have minimal impact on others and is a better choice.
Rashel Mereness
Business Owner
I'm writing in opposition to locating a skate park at Parcel 10. I feel the negative impact of Parcel 10 as a location is understated in the materials.
First, the proposal incorrectly categorizes Parcel 10 as "under-utilized." In fact, it is utilized by several large, diverse groups and businesses. The tables at Parcel 10 provide seating for pier restaurants and family picnics and are usually full on the weekends. The area is used for community yoga classes and community events such as holiday parties, concerts and movie nights. Each of these uses brings community and customers to the pier. Parcel 10 could be used for additional events and I would be interested in helping to plan. The report claims the skate park would "contribute to a vibrant atmosphere," but replacing this mixed-use area with a park that serves only a few will have the opposite effect and also hurts local business.
Second, the report does not address the safety of skaters and others. The three paths of egress to Parcel 10 are crowded with people strolling, often children and the elderly, but (1) the path from Kinkaid's down to Parcel 10 is a fabulous ramp (2) the stairwell near Quality Seafood is a great spot for stairway tricks, and (3) the international boardwalk, where it's already hard to keep bikers from biking, despite many signs prohibiting it, will create a thoroughfare for skaters. Each entryway invites skating through crowds of people. Moreover, if an injury were to occur at the park, Parcel 10 is relatively harder to access for emergency medical attention, given the great distance from any parking area.
Third - Construction access has not been explored. The structural integrity of the pier seems to already be in question, given the state of the parking garages. Have you considered how the cement-pouring trucks or machinery will reach Parcel 10?
In summary, a skate park serves a limited number of people, but placing it at Parcel 10, rather than one of the other proposed locations, displaces and causes safety concerns for a great number of people. Locating the park at one of the other locations will have minimal impact on others and is a better choice.
Rashel Mereness
Business Owner