Skateboarders Get a Look at Plan for Park

Toting skateboards, more than 50 Camarillo youths got their first look Monday at a clay model of a skateboard park they helped design.

After skateboarders transformed lumps of clay into a likeness of their dream facility in October, a Santa Cruz-based architect then designed a park to fit their needs.

The scale model, unveiled at the Camarillo Community Center, contains street-skating elements--such as steps, rails, curbs and ramps--as well as a bowl and other features more traditional at skateboard parks.

“This looks really cool,” said Austin Cueto, a 15-year-old Camarillo High student. He particularly appreciated the inclusion of metal edging prevent early wear of skating surfaces.

Many skateboarders say being included in the process of designing the facility helped give them a sense of pride and ownership.

“We got to help build it,” said Davis Ngarupe, 15, also a Camarillo High student. “We have what we want now.”

Skateboarders requested only a minor change to the plan: adding another stair rail.

Working drawings and specifications for construction should be ready in about eight weeks, architect Zachary Wormhoudt said.

Once completed, the drawings will be submitted to the Pleasant Valley Park and Recreation District for approval. The project will then be sent out to bid and a contractor will be chosen.

The 10,000-square-foot facility, which will be located at Pleasant Valley Park on the corner of Ponderosa Drive and Temple Avenue, could be open by summer, district officials say.

The park district has set aside $100,000 for the project, which is expected to cost about $175,000. Park officials are looking to the city and business leaders to make up the difference.

Mayor Charlotte Craven has asked council members to contribute to the project. The council is expected to decide on the matter Jan. 28.

Park district officials encouraged skaters to attend the council meeting to show their support the project.