Council News Release

Councilmember David J. Della
Councilmember Richard Conlin
Councilmember Jan Drago

COUNCIL PASSES NEW SKATE PARK LOCATION
Della sponsors legislation to create new skate park on Seattle Center campus at Second and Thomas

SEATTLE – The Council, today, unanimously passed a bill sponsored by Councilmember David J. Della that will develop a new skate park at Seattle Center. Councilmember Della, chair of the Parks, Education, Libraries, and Labor Committee said, “I’m pleased that we have built consensus among skateboarders, people who love Seattle Center, and the City’s political leaders on a location for a new skate park.”

The new skate park will be built at the corner of Second and Thomas, currently the site of the Seattle Center Pavilions. The Council’s bill directs Seattle Center to build an 8,900 square-feet skate park by the second quarter of 2009. Councilmember Della said, “The skate park will be a wonderful, new, accessible amenity for people to enjoy on the Seattle Center campus. The skate park will be part of keeping Seattle Center vital in the 21st Century.” Councilmember Jan Drago said, “This legislation makes sure that we do a new skate park right. It is a very satisfying end to years of Council work.” Councilmember Richard Conlin said, “The new skate park will bring the new energy and excitement of many new users—skateboard enthusiasts of all ages—to Seattle Center.”

The legislation says that the final skate park site design should incorporate surrounding perimeter areas for additional amenities, include a viewing area and open space for families and spectators to view the skatepark, and create a family-friendly environment. Seattle Center must also present a plan to the Council to develop alternative sites for the current users of the pavilions. Councilmember Della said, “It’s important that we passed this bill today after two and a half years of work. A new skate park at Seattle Center is long overdue.”

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City Council