Capitola Skatepark meeting Jan 26 th

Capitola votes to send skate park back to designer

CAPITOLA - More than 40 people spoke Thursday night before the City Council including neighbors, skateboarders and parents on the proposed skate park.

But every member of the City Council had a different view on what the park should look like.

City Councilman Kirby Nicol proposed to send the project back to the drawing board, design it for pre-teens, with a size that is 6,000 square feet instead of the proposed 9,000 and features that are less noisy.

Councilman Dennis Norton argued for a 7,000-square-foot park, but Nicol would not accept an amendment.

"I'm not going to support the motion," City Councilman Sam Storey said, prompting applause.

The council voted 3-2 to send it back. Harlan and Storey opposed it.

"The story isn't written," said Termini. "We're waiting to hear from the skater community."

After the vote, Tricia Proctor, a mother of two kids who skateboard, said, "I'm not disappointed. I'm happy to have the support of the council. I do think the smaller size will be a bit harder to raise money for."

Her son Zac, 12, said, "It could have been bigger, but 6,000 square feet is still enough."

Evan Bomango, 10, was happy the city picked Monterey Park.

"I think it's really good for my neighborhood," he said.

After the vote, Capitola resident Gerald Weizenbach, 49, said he wished the council would go for a small kiddie skate park at Monterey Park and something for advanced skaters on McGregor.

"I love board sports," he said.