Keizer Parks Board discusses skate park upgrades and Gold Star Memorial Monument progress

In a recent meeting of the Keizer City Council, significant discussions centered around community engagement and improvements to local parks, particularly the skate park. The meeting highlighted the active involvement of local youth, who presented proposals aimed at enhancing the skate park facilities.

Lisa Sujica, a member of the parks board, reported on a recent meeting where a group of young community members showcased their plans for the skate park. Their proposals included installing a cover over the mini bowl to improve usability year-round, adding lighting to the skate park, and potentially expanding the facility. The youth demonstrated thorough preparation, gathering cost estimates from similar projects and expressing a willingness to contribute labor towards these enhancements. Their initiative reflects a strong sense of community and the desire to maintain the skate park as a vibrant gathering space.

The council acknowledged the importance of these proposals and discussed the potential for funding through grants. However, it was noted that the current parks master plan does not include provisions for skate park expansions, which could limit access to certain funding sources. The council is considering amending the master plan to incorporate these improvements, which would allow the skate park to become eligible for System Development Charges (SDCs) and other grants.

In addition to the skate park discussions, the council addressed the ongoing development of the Gold Star Memorial Monument, with local organizations contributing resources to facilitate its installation. The meeting also touched on traffic safety concerns related to parking at the Little League fields, highlighting the challenges of managing public spaces effectively.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to fostering community involvement and enhancing local amenities. The next steps will involve exploring funding opportunities and potentially revising the master plan to better accommodate the needs of the community, particularly the youth who are eager to contribute to the development of their local environment.