LATEST UPDATES AUGUST 2024
The new Wasena Skatepark is in the works. Based on community feedback, the design will focus on street skating elements. Construction is scheduled to start in winter 2024, with an opening planned for early 2026 (Timeline subject to contractor’s schedule). We’ll be hosting a community meeting this fall to share the proposed design and get your input.
Project Highlights:
- The new Wasena Skatepark will be located where the basketball and tennis courts are currently located.
- The design will feature primarily street skate elements, as preferred in the community feedback from the 2018 Feasibility Study.
- Total project budget is $1.6 million, including $200,000 from the City of Salem, $50,000 from the Town of Vinton, and $350,000 in donations from private citizens to add a pumptrack to the scope.
BLOG 2018
As of today, Friday, Feb. 8, the findings of a Skatepark Feasibility Study conducted by Roanoke Parks and Recreation and Roanoke Skatepark Initiative (RSI) are available to the public. The study, which was conducted in response to public desire for a new facility, determined possible location, amenities, cost, and funding for such a park.
“The development process for the Department’s master plan has identified a very long list of capital improvement needs, the skatepark being among them,” Michael Clark, Director, Roanoke Parks and Recreation, said. “Unfortunately, the City is not in a position to address all the identified needs alone, so partnerships like the one we have with RSI are going to be vital to the implementation process of the master plan.”
Through public input meetings, Land Planning and Design Associates (LPDA) consultants determined the type of skatepark features residents desired by showing examples of other skate and BMX facilities around the world, and asking for recommendations on the park location. Broken down by public input, conceptual layout, cost estimate, and funding options, the study merges public feedback with cost-effective strategies and creates a roadmap for a possible skate and BMX park in the future.
A feasibility study is the first step the Department takes before building any new parks, but it does not mean that change is imminent. For this to become a reality, funds for construction and maintenance must be acquired. The study outlines possible sources of funding. The department and RSI hope that continued advocacy can help this park become a reality.
Keri Garnett, RSI President, said, “We believe the proposed cost is reasonable as well as obtainable, and we are looking forward to continuing to work together to create an amazing new recreational space for Roanoke in the future.”
For more information, please contact Stephanie Long, Marketing Coordinator, Roanoke Parks and Recreation, at 540-853-5847 or stephanie.long@roanokeva.gov.
