Lehi officials finalize skate park location

  August 31, 2016, 6:22 pm

By Linda Petersen

After residents living near the proposed Lehi skate park complained that they hadn't been included in the process, Lehi City Council members recently revisited their vote on the location. In the end, though, their choice remained the same.

On May 10, the city council voted 4-1 to designate the park at Pointe Meadows Park, 2150 Point Meadows Drive (2100 North) as the preferred location on the recommendation of management analyst Beau Thomas and the Parks, Trails and Tree Committee. At that time, Parks and Facilities Manager Steve Marchbanks said they would do outreach to the neighborhood after the site was selected. In a July 12 re-vote, the council did agree to form a committee with representatives from both the neighborhood and the skating community to provide input throughout the remainder of the process.

The committee was the suggestion of Bill Hereth of the Point Meadows Town Homes HOA who said that there was "a toxic feeling of distrust" among residents toward city officials regarding the process up to that point. Hereth presented a petition signed by 170 residents opposed to locating the skate park in their neighborhood. A civil engineer, he also asked for a stakeholder involvement process.

Other residents at the meeting voiced concerns about the patrons the park would draw. "I want my kids to feel safe at this park," said Lori Gilbert, who expressed concerns about possible vandalism. Matt Toones, who said that the neighborhood has "a very young family base," questioned how well a skate park would fit in the area. Katie Coivosto said she felt "violated in the manner this has been done" and questioned whether there was a need for a skate park. City Councilmember Chris Condie disagreed saying there was a negative perception of skate parks and that there was a need. "The community is Lehi, not just Point Meadows," he said. Those in attendance had "hypothetical fears," he added. "I think it is going to turn out to be a great asset to the community and city of Lehi. This is one of the best locations," he said.

The council also committed to improve the park beyond adding the skate park. "Part of what we've learned through this process is that this park has been neglected," Councilmember Albrecht said.

In March, the city contracted with Spohn Ranch, a Los Angeles, Calif.-based skate park designer and builder to design and build the park for $470,000. Local subcontractors will be used to construct the park.

Point Meadows Park was one of four sites identified by the Parks, Trails and Trees Committee. The other sites were Dry Creek Park, Point Meadow Park, the Outdoor Pool Park and the Sports Park.