- April 25, 2024
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The city also plans to pave roads, slow traffic in park
Renovation of the Skate Park at Nova Community Park, 440 North Nova Road, is set to begin in November with a projected completion date by next February. The skate park will double in size, and will have many added features.
The city originally budgeted skate park expansion for the fiscal year 2013-2014, but matching funds from the Volusia ECHO program were not available because the county put the program on hold during a reorganization. ECHO distributes matching funds for environmental, cultural, historical and outdoor recreation.
The budget for the project is $450,000 which includes ECHO Grant funding for one half of the total cost, or $225,000. The balance will come out of capital improvements in the city budget.
There will be a building with a restroom where users will check in and be able to buy skate boards parts and rent helmets or knee pads.
Leisure Services Director Robert Carolin said there have been complaints of foul language and unsafe skating at the park, and the presence of an adult at the building should improve the situation.
“We want a family atmosphere,” he said.
The city also wants to increase usage and safety.
The skate park area will increase in size from 11,000 square feet to about 30,000 square feet, with the skating surface at 20,000 square feet. There will be a flowing line between the new features, which will include street elements, a bowl and speed skating elements.
An area will be set aside for beginners with mini-ramps.
The development of the skate park has been years in the making. About three years ago, a committee was formed of children and parents to help formulate the improvements.
The bidding of the project was handled by A.M. Weigel Construction Inc., which has a continuing contract with the city to act as general contractor.
City hopes to slow traffic in park
Another big project at Nova Community Park will be the paving of the roads, which will include features to slow down traffic. The unpaved roads have erosion problems and the unpaved parking area does not have marked spaces.
Speeding through the park has been a problem for a long time.
“It’s been a constant battle for us,” Carolin said. “Kids spin their tires in the gravel.”
The long road from the lower level parking lot to the parking lot at the main gym entrance will be broken up by the expanded skate park. Also, curves will be added to the road, as well as speed tables, which are similar to speed bumps. The cost of the road improvement project is expected to be $305,000. It is expected to go out for bids in October and work will be done from next February through June.
