White Rock Skate Park To Get A Makeover

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 14, 2024
- 10:24 am

Julia Brueckler of the American Ramp Company explains the proposed skatepark layout to young boarders and asks for their input during a meet & greet Saturday in White Rock. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com

It might sound cruel, but it is true: the skate park in White Rock is too old and it needs some youthful injection.

To do this, Los Alamos County Parks Superintendent Wendy Parker said the park’s modules are being replaced.

“The biggest reason is the current modules have surpassed their life expectancy,” she said.

Assistant Superintendent Emmanuel Abeyta explained the modules’ life expectancy is 20 years and the existing structures have turned 24.

To make the best choice on what the new modules should be, the Parks Division turned to American Ramp Company, which has conducted surveys and hosted in-person walk-throughs of the skate park, located off Sherwood Boulevard, and is developing a design. The final design will be vetted by the community.

Abeyta said that the new modules will be able to handle a variety of uses from skateboards to rollerblades and they will accommodate a range of skill levels from beginner to advanced.

He added that the new structures will be laminated rather than metal and will be pre-fabricated, so the modules are expected to take no more than two weeks to install. The life expectancy of the new equipment will be the same – 20 years.

Parker said the project will be completed no later than Oct. 31. The total construction cost is $268,666.

Equipment life expectancy and safety are two main factors in replacing the skate park elements, she said.

“Just from a safety standpoint, with the new modules … it will be safer and a more enjoyable experience for park users,” Parker said.

The skate park is not the only thing getting a new look; Pinon Park, located next to the skate park, will be receiving an upgrade, too. It will be getting new playground equipment. Parker said the reason for the new playground equipment is the same – the current equipment is past its life expectancy and it ranked as a priority in the department’s Integrated Master Plan.

The allocated budget for the playground project is $600,000 and the estimated completion date is Spring 2025, Parker said.

Both these facilities were identified in the Community Services Department’s Integrated Master Plan as needing improvements, Parker said.

“The Integrated Master Plan identified existing services, facilities, gaps and future needs across the community spotlighting the areas that we need to make changes in … a lot of that hinges on ADA accessibility,” she said.

Parker added that the skate park is in good hands with American Ramp Company, which is nationally known and employs former professional skateboarders.

For more information about the White Rock Skate Park improvement project, visit the Have Your Say page for the project or contact parksadmin@lacnm.us or call Wendy Parker or Emmanuel Abeyta at 505.662.1771.

JC Knecht and Julia Brueckler of the American Ramp Company talk about one of the proposed layouts for the skateboard park. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Julia Brueckler of the American Ramp Company, center, addresses attendees including County Parks Superintendent Wendy Parker, second from left, at the skateboard park meeting Saturday in White Rock. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com.