GALT, CA (MPG) - Dozens of community members gathered the evening of June 26 to share feedback on the redesign of the existing skatepark on Chabolla Avenue.

The city and its design partners hosted the meeting at the Chabolla Community Center, 600 Chabolla Ave., to present two proposed design concepts and gather input from residents and local riders to help shape the future skatepark.

Representatives from Helix Environmental Planning joined city officials, including Galt Parks and Recreation Director Armando Solis and Park Maintenance Supervisor Armando Morales, project manager and associate civil engineer Brandon Woods and Public Works Director John Griffin.

The existing skatepark, originally built in 2003 as a temporary installation, is set to expand from 4,000 to about 7,300 square feet. Planned upgrades include LED sports lighting for evening use, shade structures, new seating, a drinking fountain with a bottle filler, improved fencing and direct access to restrooms. 

Helix Environmental Planning landscape architect Scott Redding, who presented the project overview, added that there have been improvements with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility, a digital scoreboard/lane timer and the use of skate-friendly material for surfaces to stay cool in the summer.

The Chabolla Skate Park revamp is estimated to cost $2.55 million. Solis said that funding includes $600,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and nearly $2 million from Measure Q, the city’s one-cent sales tax supporting essential services, which includes parks and public spaces.

Final design plans are expected to go before the Parks and Recreation Commission this fall, with construction completion targeted for summer 2026.

The two proposed concepts share the same upgraded features, with differences in the skate elements. This area received the most input from attendees, many who are regular users of the current park. 

Zach Wormhoudt, a veteran skatepark designer with Wormhoudt Inc. and resident expert for Helix Environmental Planning, gave a detailed explanation of the skate elements. He also emphasized the importance of public input in shaping the final design.

“This is your park and we want to get it right,” Wormhoudt said. “Everything is still flexible at this stage. You tell us what works and what doesn’t.”

Wormhoudt, a lifelong skater, has worked on projects across the state and internationally, including the Wackford Skate Park in Elk Grove and the Brandon Koch Memorial Skate Park in Turlock.

“We want someone who’s just learning how to skate or riding a bike, scooter, whatever they’re on, to be able to come here and learn,” Wormhoudt said. “But at the same time, if you’re the best rider in town, you’re stoked to come back and keep being challenged.”

A question-and-answer session followed the design presentation. 

Feedback centered on combining popular elements from both proposed concepts. Several skaters advocated for the inclusion of longer rails, flat bars, a two-flat-two stair setup and an enclosed bowl feature with varying depths. 

Others called for extended hours to avoid summer heat and make use of the evening time during the shorter winter days.

Galt Parks and Recreation Director Solis said the department is still determining a schedule for park hours but is considering extending them once the new park is completed. 

“We want to make sure you get maximum use out of this facility,” Solis said. “This is what you voted for and your input is what’s making it happen.” 

Community members can continue to submit feedback through the city’s online comment portal at bit.ly/45MDdQQ (case sensitive) or by emailing Galt Parks and Recreation Department at [email protected].