By Allison Jarrell
Fundraising efforts are now underway for a skatepark in San Juan Capistrano following city approval of a site on Aug. 11. The approved location will harbor a 20,000-square-foot Capistrano Grind skatepark at the northwest end of the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, located near the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, Del Obispo Elementary and Marco Forster Middle School.
Following the approval, Capistrano Grind organizers said it’s vital to keep the momentum going throughout the fundraising and design process. The grassroots group, which has secured multiple local sponsors and is applying to become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is hoping to raise $1 million to design and construct the park. In addition to garnering support from San Clemente’s Sheckler Foundation and the Tony Hawk Foundation, Capistrano Grind is fundraising by placing coin canisters in 80 local businesses and selling T-shirts online at capistranogrindskatepark.bigcartel.com. Organizer Nathan Banda said a recycling drive will likely take place at the end of the month, and the group will begin selling refreshments at the San Juan Sports Park snack bar during future soccer games. Capistrano Grind also has an online fundraising campaign at www.indiegogo.com/projects/capistrano-grind-skate-park#/story.
Dana Point City Manager Doug Chotkevys said San Juan’s Interim City Manager Keith Till called earlier this week to talk about the skatepark, but the two have not yet discussed a potential partnership between the two cities. Chotkevys said he hopes to speak with Till within the next couple weeks to see what the city will request financially.
In addition to raising funds, Banda said the group is addressing concerns about liability by consulting with other cities that have successfully implemented skateparks. Capistrano Grind is also initiating the request for proposal process for the skatepark’s design this week.
For more information and updates, follow Capistrano Grind Skate Park on Facebook, visit www.capistranogrindskatepark.org or call 949.545.8860. Questions can be emailed to nathan@capistranogrindskatepark.org.
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