Additional Funding Needed to Support Project
Cambria Skatepark to Roll Forward at Same Location Additional Funding Needed to Support Project
By Connie Pendleton
The Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) Board voted unanimously on Thursday, Mar. 13, in favor of keeping the town’s highly anticipated skatepark project moving forward at its original location on Main Street. After a potential funding gap had been identified, alternatives to the existing plan were brought up before the board for review.
Due to concerns about the shortfall, fundraisers are now seeking additional donations.
The original skatepark, which had been built by local volunteers years ago, was removed in 2020 and reverted back to an asphalt lot due to safety concerns.
After a 14-year-old boy knocked on the door of the CCSD office to find out why the skatepark was torn down, an energized group banded together and formed a fundraising program, Skate Cambria. They organized with a youth-run board of directors and a core group of adults anchored by a strong mission to rebuild the park. With plans to build a long-lasting concrete structure, they obtained 3,000 signatures and proceeded to raise thousands of dollars in donations from locals and visitors.
CCSD General Manager Matthew McElhenie said almost all permitting work for the skatepark is complete and money has already been invested in the project. The district committed $178,000 to the preliminary costs of the skatepark. In addition, the district applied for a grant from the California State Parks Land and Water Conservation Fund. The Cambria Skatepark project and location on Main Street was identified as one of sixteen sites throughout the state recommended for funding. The approved 50/50 matching grant for $600,000 is now available Apr. 1.
McElhenie said rising construction costs and other issues have created a potential shortfall, which brought into question the viability of the project in its current location. He said government required tribal monitoring has a cost of approximately $2200 per day. Lighting to the skatepark restroom would require PG&E to drop power from a pole or tunnel it in from the vault.
McElhenie offered some alternatives, which he said he had been asked by the board to provide. He discussed turning down the existing grant, applying for a new grant and changing the location to the East Ranch as a lower cost option. Drawbacks for this location include it being in a flood plain area and issues with flood zones, lack of engineering and designs, and setbacks. They would additionally have to start all over again with applying for a new grant.
These alternatives would mean a loss in time and funds already spent on initial permitting work for the Main Street location.
Dick Clark, president of the Cambria Community Council, confirmed there was a currently a minimal shortfall of approximately $81,000 to possibly $150,000.
The Mar. 13 meeting inspired a number of dedicated residents to speak in support of the project. They expressed their deep commitment to continue fundraising efforts, being undaunted by the potential gap and to the importance of the selected site. It was emphasized that the existing location was important to ensure visibility and safety of the kids at the skatepark.
Other supporting statements included a reminder of the backing of this project at the Main Street location by the CCSD Board and PROS Committee in 2021, dedication and involvement by the kids, and donations already provided by community members and visitors for the project at the site.
CCSD Board Director Harry Farmer spoke in favor of what he said “is right for the children and adults in our community.” He recalled the passion and enthusiasm of the those who originally started the fundraising campaign, as well as from those donating money. He said, “I would like to see that same energy continue at that location for years to come!”
The district board concluded that the actual numbers would not be determined until final construction bids have been obtained.
Skate Cambria is now starting a new fundraising campaign. According to a source, $14,000 in contributions were already received only a few days after the CCSD Board meeting. The group will have a booth set up at the Cambria Nonprofit Fair on Apr. 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pinedorado Grounds. Tax deductible donations may be made directly to Cambria Community Council, the fiscal agent, by check or with PayPal, debit or credit card. The website is cambriacommunitycouncil.org/skate-park-initiative. Checks should have “skatepark” written in the memo section and mailed to P.O. Box 486, Cambria, California 93428.
