(In)Frequently Asked Questions
 
I heard a skatepark may be built under the Washington-Jefferson Street Bridge in Downtown Eugene.  True or False?

True.  The City of Eugene, Parks and Open Space Department, has identified a need for building a centrally located regional skatepark.  The Washington-Jefferson Street Park has been identified as the logical area for building the park, incorporating the bridge overpass into the siting of the park.

What is the size and scope of the WJ Skatepark?

Current estimates for completed skateparks in the Northwest range from $30-40 per square foot.  A flagship skatepark should be at least 15,000 square feet, and 20,000+ square feet would be even better.  This puts the built cost at $450,000 – $800,000.

What is the skatepark design - tranny, plaza, vert, blend?

In mid-2009, Dreamland Skateparks was chosen as the designer of the skatepark.  A series of public forums for the public to share their thoughts with Dreamland are planned for the fall of 2009.  If you have an opinion and want your voice heard, tell Dreamland what you think!  For more information, click here.

Is it possible for there to be more than one skatepark under the WJ Bridge? 

Anything is possible!  We think it is a phenomenal idea to envision not just one, but multiple connected skateparks/plazas with diverse terrain both under the bridge and under open sky.  Could there be a better place for a huge vibrant skatable area and revitalized urban park incorporating sustainable landscape design and urban art?

What is Skaters for Eugene Skateparks’ relationship with Skaters for Public Skateparks?

Skaters for Public Skateparks (SPS) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) general education and advocacy non-profit with a group exemption status and operates without geographic limits.  SES is more limited in its geographic range, focusing only on Eugene, Oregon.  The two organizations share the general mission of encouraging world-class public skatepark development.  SES is an official chapter of SPS and therefore all donations to SES are deductible as charitable donations under the IRS tax code.  ALL of funds raised by SES will go directly to funding the W-J skatepark in Eugene.

What is SES’s view of bikes in skateparks?

SES supports development of bike-specific park facilities and opposes use of bikes in skateparks. We recognize that freestyle biking is a valid activity and attractive to some. Unfortunately, bike use in skateparks incontrovertibly displaces skaters – especially youth – and usually damages the facility. Bikers need their own parks and we support the efforts of bikers to get bike-specific parks built.  If bikes are allowed to use the W-J skatepark, SES will work with all interest groups to designate certain times of the week where the park is reserved for skateboarders only.