Aurora Reveals New Plans For Downtown Skate Park

AURORA, IL — Aurora unveiled new plans for a community skate park in the downtown district.

The recreational area will be built at the corner of Lake Street and Cross Street, adjacent to the Santori Library parking lot. The park would feature shade structures, lawn seat walls and a ground-level street course.

The city hired Florida-based Platform Group in February to design the park and estimate the cost of the project, roughly $850,000, which includes a 20 percent contingency as well as the shade features, lighting and fences.

The first public meeting for the rink was held in May.

The group is expected to submit a revised design using community feedback between mid-July to mid-September. Construction drawings for permits will be due in late September, pending no major comments, according to the city's project website.

"We are committed to creating a space that not only provides an inviting and inclusive recreational outlet for skateboarders, but also enhances the overall community experience in Aurora," Director of Public Art Jenn Byrne said in a statement. "Your input is essential in making this skatepark a vibrant and welcoming addition to our City."

Residents are invited to attend a stakeholder meeting from 5-6 p.m. Wednesday to share input on the park's development progress. The event will occur inside the fifth-floor conference room at City Hall, 44 E. Downer Place.