GALT, CA (MPG) - A design contract for the expansion and improvement of the Chabolla Skate Park on Chabolla Avenue was approved by the Galt City Council on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

The contract is with Helix Environmental Planning for $316,023; the scope of services includes new concrete, light poles and fencing. Costs for construction will be determined after the designs are completed.  

The resolution approving the contract also authorizes the city manager to approve up to $31,602 in contingency costs and gives the public works director the ability to amend the contract within the approved contingency cost limits. The contract is funded through American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Helix Construction was one of five consultants to submit bids for the proposal, and according to a staff report on the matter, was deemed the most qualified. Public Works Director John Griffin also highlighted Helix’s use of Wormhouldt Inc., a premier skate park designer, as subcontractor in the proposal. 

The new park, which is expected to nearly double the size of the current facility, is expected to be completed in 2026. 

“I just want to say, a decade,” Councilmember Bonnie Rodriguez said. “It’s been a decade since members of the youth commission and other youth have been in these chambers asking for a skatepark. Maybe they will be able to bring their kids to this when it is finally done. I am glad we are finally moving forward.” 

The Chabolla Skate Park was constructed in 2003 as a temporary fix to repeated requests for a place for skateboarders to go in Galt and features modular structures. 

Mayor Shawn Farmer said he remembers coming before the City Council in the late 1990s, along with others, to ask for a skatepark. 

The requests ultimately led to the temporary park. 

“The one that we had that lasted 20-plus years was a temporary fix,” Parks and Recreation Director Armando Solis said. 

“Temporary for 20 years,” Farmer added. 

According to Griffin, public outreach will be conducted to review potential design renderings for city staff and the council to review. 

Lodi resident Patrick Byron, a member of the skateboarding community and a former Rio Vista parks and recreation commissioner, thanked the council for approving the project and added he hoped for at least two community meetings to help gather feedback on the project. 

Byron also questioned if Helix Environmental Planning or Wormhouldt Inc., would be conducting the community meetings. He said Wormhouldt has completed a few skate parks in the region that are “well-liked by the community,” but skateboarders have noted a few things they would have liked to have seen done differently.

“We just want to ensure Galt gets the best skatepark for its money,” Byron said. “It’s an expensive project, and it’s a project that we would like to last a considerable amount of time. …

“We just want to make sure it is done right and done for the best possible outcome.” 

Solis said before the item returns to the City Council, community members will have a chance to discuss it at a Galt Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.