Project Background

The City of Evanston receives many requests annually for the construction of a skate park within the City limits. Although the City owns and maintains 77 parks with 52 playgrounds, these playgrounds are not generally directed at teen recreation. Also, skateboarding  made its debut at the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo. As a result of becoming an Olympic sport, the growth of skateboarding has seen a resurgence which has surfaced in our community. 

Previously a skate park installation was operated at Crown Park in the paved lot east of the old Robert Crown Center, but the equipment was manufactured of wood which eventually degraded and was not replaced. Therefore, this facility was ultimately discontinued.

However, there are still many residents who enjoy skateboarding. Without a dedicated space, this activity takes place in other locations, often adapting the installed park furnishings to this use. For example, it is not uncommon to see skateboarders in Fountain Square. Because the furnishings were not selected with skaters in mind, the use causes increased wear and tear which results in increased maintenance costs. While providing dedicated skate park space(s) in Evanston does not guarantee that skating will not occur in other locations, it does provide an outlet for this legitimate recreational activity frequently enjoyed by the City’s teen residents. 

The benefits of identifying a dedicated space for skateboarding include: 

1. Skateparks provide a safe space for skateboarders and help protect property of local government and businesses. Since the 1970s, skateboarding has gained in popularity, and municipalities across the country have seen many benefits to providing safe, designated skateparks to protect skateboarders, as well as concrete surfaces and public property. Most skateboarding injuries/falls occur because of surface irregularities and collisions with motor vehicles or pedestrians. If no park is available, skateboarders tend to use whatever structures are available to them, even if there are “no skateboarding allowed” signs posted. Having a designated space for skating activities not only provides a safer environment for skaters, but also is the best way to curb any unlawful activities or behavior.
2. Skateparks promote an active lifestyle, no matter the age. At a time when all of us are encouraged to get outside and be active, especially our young people, skateparks offer a fun and exciting destination. Whether participants are on skateboards, scooters, rollerblades or BMX bikes, skateparks provide a great cardio workout. But, skateboarding is not just for kids. All ages are welcome. Users include elementary, middle and high schoolers, as well as college students and adults.
3. A well designed skatepark can provide an economic benefit to the community. By providing a dedicated space, maintenance cost will be reduced from damage to unwanted areas. Also, having a dedicated space will draw participants from outlying communities to come bring their kids to the skatepark, do some shopping, maybe have lunch, buy some gas, etc. 

The pandemic has only made the need for a skatepark all the more urgent as opportunities for the public to participate in activities is often limited to the outdoors.

In 2021, the City examined the idea of rapidly constructing a temporary skate park with the intent of designing and installing a permanent skate park in the future. The temporary skate park would have included prefabricated elements mounted directly above existing pavements. However, after meeting with community members on March 17, 2021 and May 25, 2021 as well as after conducting a public survey with 1,056 responses, it was determined that a temporary skate park was not desired by the community and the City therefore began focusing only on a permanent skate park.

One critical item that emerged from the spring 2021 public engagement effort was the selection of a site for the permanent skate park.

The permanent sites initially considered were:

1. Twiggs Park
2. Butler Park
3. Beck Park
4. Mason Park(if park is expanded)
5. James Park

Based on the input received at the spring 2021 public engagements, the eastern end of Twiggs Park was selected for the permanent skate park.

Completed Activities:

• May 2021 - site selection at Twiggs Park finalized.
• August 2021 - the City applied for an Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space and Land Acquisition and Development Grant. Notification regarding whether or not the City will receive this grant is expected in the spring of 2022.
• October 2021 - the City procured the services of a consultant team to design the new skate park.
• Spring 2022 - public engagement to conceptually design the new skate park
• July 8, 2022 - City receives a $400,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space and Land Acquisition and Development Grant program
• Summer 2022 - preparation of construction documents
• Fall 2022 and Winter 2022 - bid and award of the construction contract

Project Newsletter:

• June 28, 2023

Completed Public Engagement Activities

Skate Park Grand Opening - April 6, 2024

• Public Meeting #5 - May 17, 2022 - Presentation Meeting Summary
• Public Meeting #4 - April 5, 2022 - Presentation Meeting Summary
• Community Poll - February, 2022 - Results
• Public Meeting #3 - February 22, 2022 - Presentation  Meeting Summary
• Public Meeting #2 - May 25, 2021 -  Presentation
  •  Meeting Notes 
• Public Meeting #1 – March 17, 2021 - Presentation
  • Meeting Notes
• Skate Park Presentation - January 19, 2021 City Council Meeting
• Public Survey Results - March, 2021

Council Actions

• Approval of Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Submit a Grant Application for State Funding through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant Program, August 9, 2021
• Approval of Contract with Teska Associates for Consulting Services Related to the Evanston Skate
  Park (RFP 21-31), October 25, 2021
• Approval of Contract with Hacienda Landscaping for the Twiggs Park Skate Park (Bid 23-03), March 13, 2023

 Questions or other comments? Email us!