WHEELS ARE ROLLIN' ON OUR LOCAL SKATEPARK The Skatepark Committee, along with the GF Parks & Rec Foundation, teamed up to raise the funds needed to update and relocate our local Skatepark to Kannowski Park. Through the generous pledged donations of our community, Phase 1 of a relocated, updated Skatepark opened in September 2018. Rydell Skatepark will provide skaters of all ages and their families a safe place to gather.
We are currently working to complete the skatepark project by raising the funds needed to build Phase 2 of Rydell Skatepark. Help us make this a reality by getting involved in and donating to the Skatepark Project fundraising campaign. Naming opportunities for skatepark features are still available as well as places in the “Friends of the Park” and “Skater Friends” donation gift clubs. PHASE 2 BEGINS SPRING OF 2019! Construction on the second phase of the skatepark at Kannowski Park will break ground as soon as the weather permits.
Bill Palmiscno, executive director of the Grand Forks Parks District, said phase two will be completed in August.
Early estimates for the cost of this second phase are between $250,000 and $280,000.
The district has secured $187,000 of that figure so far, Palmiscno said.
"We are still fundraising. We are submitting two packages to the construction company, that way we can get one started and pitch another package in case we raise more money," Palmiscno said.
Todd Bratrud, graphic designer and owner of the skateboard company Send Help, has been serving as a liaison between the city and skateboard community throughout this process. Bratrud said the group will book Los Angeles-based skatepark design and building company, Spohn Ranch, which built the first phase of the skate park project.
Bratrud's hope is that the skatepark builders don't have to return to finish the project if funding isn't there.
"The best case scenario is we raise it all now so it can all be spent on actual construction and not spent on future fees to split construction into the next year," Bratrud said.
Palmiscno said the group is looking to raise between $50,000 and $75,000 more than they already have.
When construction does start, Palmiscno said the first phase of the park will still be usable.
"This will get the kids more room to skate," Palmiscno said. "We're getting great numbers showing up down there, and the weekends were just packed when it was warm."
In the first phase, a "bowl" was built, which can be difficult for beginners, Palmiscno said.
"This phase will be easier. It will be more for new skaters so they can gradually grow into using the bowl part," Palmiscno said.
Rydell Car Dealership donated more than $100,000 for the first and second phases of the skatepark, Bratrud said. Ralph Engelstad Arena donated $100,000 to the park, and the park also received some federal Community Development funds from the city of Grand Forks, Palmiscno said. RELOCATED CONCRETE FEATURES Tri-Tiered Manual Pad
Grind Ledge 10’ x 2’ x 1’10”H
HSS Grind Rail
NEW FEATURES
3’0’’ H Bank Ramp
2‘6’’ Quarter Pipe
Radius Bowl Wall with Galvanized Steel Pipe Coping
Waterfall
Drain
Table Top
Pool Coping
Quarter Pipe, Variable Heights
Spine
2‘5’’ Quarter Pipe
5’6’’ Cantilevered Radius Wedge Extension
Stairs
Single Kinked Grind Rail
2’6’’ Cantilevered Quarter Pipe
2’6’’ Volcano Transition
2’0” Bank to Bank
Grind Ledges, Variable Heights
1’8” Double Raked Manual Pad People and Business who have helped along the way! Brian Rydell and Bob Rydell
Tony Hawk Foundation
Spohn Ranch
City of Grand Forks
Grand Forks Parks
Engelstad Foundation
Wells Concrete
Wes Skateparks
Ae2s
Brian and Glen Pasch
David Kain
Todd Bratrud
Drive Dentric
Rad Rides
and many more....
To donate to the skatepark, go to the Grand Forks Park District website, www.gfparks.org or call the parks office at (701) 746-2750.
