Skatepark Feasibility Study - Marion County Florida

February 5, 2009
Marion County City of Ocala
Parks and Recreation Advisory Council Ocala Recreation Commission
111 SE 25 th Avenue PO Box 38
Ocala, FL 34471 Ocala, FL 34478
RE: Marion County/City of Ocala Skatepark Feasibility Study
PRAC Members/Ocala Recreation Commission:
The Marion County Parks and Recreation Advisory Council directed the Marion County Parks and
Recreation Department to work with the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department along with the
City of Ocala Recreation Commission to conduct a feasibility study which would examine the
possibilities of planning, building and operating this area’s first public skatepark.
By definition the word feasible is defined as meaning “capable of being accomplished or brought about;
possible.” While the need for public skate facilities has been discussed for years, making it possible has
been the larger challenge. Overall the need is there but who will absorb the cost of construction? Where
should this type of facility be built? What about liability?
The comprehensive nature of this study looks not only at these common questions; it also looks at how
such facilities would be a benefit to the local active recreation community while dispelling preconceived
myths about these sports. Five proposed sites have been identified and possible partnerships are
discussed as well in order to help answer the above questions.
The Ocala/Marion County area is a great place to raise a family. Part of maintaining this classification,
variety of recreational amenities and opportunities should “grow” with the times. Skateboarding, in-line
skating and freestyle bicycling have been a part of our younger generation’s means of recreation and
physical outlets for decades. By providing dedicated and safe environments for these sporting activities,
this community will continue be known as a great place to live. Government can benefit from
constructing and operating skate facilities by showing the younger generation of voters that it cares about
their recreational needs and is willing to provide such facilities. Without these facilities, the perpetuity of
separation and social isolation of the skate community will persist. Through the use of sound planning
and interagency cooperation, the needs of one of the nation’s fastest growing sports can be met locally.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lee A. Niblock, CPRP, Director Kathy Crile, CPRP, Director
Marion County Parks & Recreation Department Ocala Recreation & Parks Department
C: Pat Howard, County Administrator
Rick Horst, City Manager
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