Eastlake said the present trickle should be gain momentum with wider advertising of the effort: “Everything takes time when you have volunteers,” she noted.One major potential grant fits the SPAS effort “to a T” and the skateboarders have proven to be enthusiastic supporters.Other grants are being explored, Eastlake added, and “Councilman Ray Luna [a major supporter of the effort] and I have been discussing,” the use of CDBG funds.Bobkiewicz said issues related to CDBG funding and loans would be examined, as creation of the skatepark is a “top priority in the community.”“I’ve seen things die when they are continued and continued,” said Eastlake. “We’ve worked on this for three years and can’t let the ball stop rolling, not just in my mind but your minds.”Councilman Luna said the council has not given up on the effort, but “it’s a shame it has to be grassroots. . .all of us are representing the kids in the community” and will see the project through.
Skatepark hits financing bump, S.P. Council vows continued support
August 20, 2003
Santa Paula City Council
The Santa Paula Association of Skaters (SPAS) is busy figuring out how to make up the $100,000 construction shortfall for a skatepark at Veterans Memorial Park after the City Council rejected all bids due to a lack of money.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe Santa Paula Association of Skaters (SPAS) is busy figuring out how to make up the $100,000 construction shortfall for a skatepark at Veterans Memorial Park after the City Council rejected all bids due to a lack of money.The council made the decision at the Aug. 4th meeting but said they will reconsider the issue in October.SPAS and the city have been working together for over two years to create a skatepark in the city and although a $242,000 state grant was obtained, there is still a funding gap especially if a full skatepark plaza is to be constructed.The rejection of the bids for the scaled-back skatepark came after the council discussed other funding sources, including a loan from the water revenue fund and the possibility that a Community Development Block Grant could be obtained in the future.City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz nixed the idea of a city loan noting the anticipated state shortfalls that could strip up to $350,000 from the city’s budget.Bobkiewicz did, however, leave borrowing city funds, open for future discussion.Marisue Eastlake updated the council on fundraising efforts to date and those planned in the near future.“How are donations going?” asked Councilman Rick Cook.
