BOUNTIFUL—California-based Spohn Ranch, which has been designing skate parks for over 30 years, has been awarded the contract for the Washington Park skatepark in Bountiful. The firm was one of four being considered for the project, which will be part of the new park being built on the site of the old Washington Elementary School.

The Los Angeles company has designed municipal skatepark projects in more than 40 states and 15 countries, and includes a variety of corporate clients in its portfolio, including Red Bull and Vans. Founder and president Aaron Spohn and his family are avid skateboard enthusiasts.

“We solicited proposals from 11 designers, and narrowed our four respondents down to two,” said city engineer Lloyd Cheney. “Each firm has constructed several skateparks in Utah, and each was highly recommended. We selected Spohn Ranch based on their familiarity with the skating community in the area, consideration of specific construction techniques and details, and the proposed fee.”

Spohn’s contract is for $28,500. 

City manager Gary Hill said the next step will be for Spohn Ranch to hold some public outreach to get an idea from the user community of what they want in a skatepark. 

“We anticipate having a design about the same time in June that we have for the rest of the park – a final design and engineer drawings so we can build them together.”

Spohn Ranch’s design-build completed a 12,000 square foot skatepark in Tom’s River, New Jersey that opened in December. That park features a unique bowl with a waterfall, curved extension as well as a beginner-friendly mini-ramp section. There are also a variety of street elements and multiple ledge variations. 

What will be created for the Bountiful park will largely depend on the public input. Details as to when and where suggestions can be made are still forthcoming.  λ