By JEFF SMITH
Progress on the highly anticipated Cambria Skatepark continues, with permitting work through San Luis Obispo County nearing completion and most design and pre-construction efforts finalized. In addition, the Cambria Community Services District, is actively moving forward with accepting a $600,000 competitive grant awarded in 2024 by (LCWF) Land and Water Conservation Fund to become available April 1st, 2025.
However, rising construction costs and anticipated future maintenance have created a potential funding gap that now requires additional resources. On Thursday, March 13, the CCSD board discussed a potential alternative to address the shortfall, which included relocating the skatepark to the East Ranch property to share facilities and reduce costs.
However, this option would have sacrificed much of the over $120,000 already invested in the project and cause significant delays.
During the meeting, members of the public strongly advocated for keeping the skatepark at its planned location across the street from the Vet’s Hall. Their reasons included:
–This was the site of the former Cambria skatepark and all permitting work is near completion.
–The CCSD and PROS committee had previously approved this location.
–Community members have raised money specifically for this site.
–Parents expressed concerns about safety and visibility, preferring the downtown location next to the library and across from the Veterans Memorial Hall rather than a more secluded area like the East Ranch.
–The downtown location offers visibility to tourists, which could encourage visitors to stop, enjoy the park, and support local businesses.
The CCSD board listened to public concerns and ultimately voted unanimously to keep the skatepark at its original location. T he board also emphasized the importance of addressing the funding gap, confirming that the community would need to take the lead in raising the necessary funds.
Following the meeting, Skate Cambria reported a fundraising campaign that would be launching quickly to fill in any additional funding needed to get the project out to RFP. The organization is actively preparing to increase its fundraising efforts to ensure the project can move forward without delays.
Skate Cambria will have a booth at the upcoming Cambria 501 Fair on Saturday, April 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pinedorado Grounds to discuss the project and answer any questions from the public. With the project on the verge of breaking ground, community members are encouraged to contribute and help bring a skatepark back to Cambria as soon as this year.
Donations can be directed to the projects fiscal agent, Cambria Community Council at: cambriacommunitycouncil.org/skate-park-initiative or a check made payable to CCC and mailed to: P.O. BOX 486 Cambria, California 93428.
