BROOKINGS Upcoming improvements to the skate park near Brookings High School including concrete structures replacing the current metal ones were among issues discussed at Monday nights meeting of the citys Park & Recreation Advisory Board.
Parks, Recreation & Forestry Director Kristin Zimmerman said the design is preliminary, and includes features aimed at beginning to intermediate skateboarders. Furthermore, the design allows for future expansion.
We tried to engage the skating community as much as possible, Zimmerman said, adding that further public feedback is being sought whats liked, what isnt and so on.
This design was well-received by the skaters that have looked at it, Parks, Recreation & Forestry Assistant Director Josh Bauman added. The option for expansion is huge. If anything ever needed to be done if we ever needed to add on to it we wouldnt have to change a thing with whats there. We can simply just add on to it so thered never be a loss in anything were doing.
The $300,000 project is within budget and includes better lighting as well, along with a more advanced camera system. The design was provided by American Ramp Co.
Money drying up
Outside funding sources are key resources for Zimmermans department, but she said at Mondays meeting that the picture is beginning to look bleak.
Grants in particular are starting to reduce in size and/or be eliminated, Zimmerman said. Its just the funding tool climate that were in. If you guys happen to see anything, pass it on. Were constantly looking for outside funding. Its pretty tight right now.
We talking federal grants? board member Steve Berseth asked.
Federal, state, local, nonprofit across the board, Zimmerman said. We have some were preparing for a little bit of a hit, but thats what we do, right? I dont want to be a doomsayer, but its not looking super-promising right now.
Edgebrook water source
On a brighter note, progress continues to be made at Edgebrook Golf Course in its ongoing water-reliability saga, with pipeline construction expected to begin this fall. Earlier projections had shown that wouldnt start until spring 2026, but now its thought thats when work will wrap up.
While glad to deliver good news, Zimmerman also urged a bit of caution.
Thats a little quicker than I thought originally, she said. We will get the finalized timeline, though, when we get it out because its all based on contractors schedules, too, so thatll be a factor in it. In a perfect world, well have it in spring 2026.
Gym transfer
The city is expected to officially take ownership of the Fifth Street Gym, 606 Fifth St., on May 13, according to Zimmerman.
She said some programs with the Brookings Activity Center will either move over to the gym or continue to take place there, including indoor pickleball and walking. Its also possible that additional fitness classes will be offered over the lunch hour, but final details regarding that are still being hashed out.
Zimmerman said outreach is also taking place with community partners as well for other possible or continuing uses. Lastly, she said the gym will be the official home of the Special Olympics in Brookings going forward.
Further updates
Advisory board members also received updates on other topics at Mondays meeting, including:
The preliminary design for Sarah Renee Park, between Western Avenue South and Regency Court, has been released. Its an existing park thats being revamped, a process that includes a conversation board for people who are nonverbal, along with an inclusive spinner and a larger slide along with climbing options, musical instruments and plenty of shade. The design is ADA-compliant. Completion is estimated to be this fall.
Regarding seasonal job openings, Zimmerman said the department is pretty much full the golf course is fully staffed, and theres perhaps one or two open lifeguard positions at Hillcrest Aquatic Center.
The situation, she said, is really great almost unheard of.
Lastly, the department is seeking the publics feedback on trail system needs. When a person is on a trail, scanning the QR code found at bike shops in town, and also on the departments Facebook page will take them to a five-question survey that includes providing feedback on maintenance needs and desired amenities at that location.
Contact Mondell Keck at [email protected].
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