Skatepark to close for construction of second phase

By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun

Sometimes it takes a little sacrifice to reap even greater dividends. Such is the case for the skateboarders — both local and visitors — who have learned to love the Pacific City Skatepark.

Skateboarders will have to take a break from playing at the facility, which opened last spring, as it will close on Feb. 1 to construct its second phase. Construction, which will again be at the hands of renowned skatepark builder Dreamland Skateparks, of Lincoln City, is scheduled to run through March 27.

The skatepark’s second phase will add approximately 4,500 additional square feet to Pacific City’s playground for skateboarders.

“It’s exciting; we’re pumped to get this done,” Nestucca Valley Community Alliance representative Lisa Macy-Baker told the Sun “This section of the park should be more user-friendly to a wider variety of skaters.”

She added this is because the second phase does not include an advanced bowl that can prove too advanced, too technical and too dangerous for those just getting into the sport.

“In Phase 2, the grade won’t be so significant and there’s not going to be a deep bowl,” Macy-Baker explained. “(Rather), some street features and flowing features will allow for a variety of skaters to use the park.”

As well, Macy-Baker says completing the park in two phases is reaping dividends thanks to the input skaters have provided since the first phase opened last spring.

“We’ve had nothing but positive feedback regarding Phase 1,” she said. “I think people are very excited to add Phase 2 — not only to open the park to a greater variety of users but just to add another element. (The first phase) gave us great input for the second part of the park.”

The approximately $225,000 Phase 2 addition is being funded by money raised at last year’s Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic, a Tillamook County Transient Lodging Tax grant of approximately $74,000, and in-kind donations. While there is no ground-breaking ceremony planned, an opening event will showcase the completed project this spring.

“Dreamland is so experienced,” MacyBaker said about the construction company developing and building the addition. “They know what a community needs. It’s nice to have them in our backyard.”

Special Election for Tillamook City Council set for March 14

At a hearing in Tillamook County Circuit Court on Jan. 12., Circuit Court Judge Mari Trevino ordered a new special election for two contested Tillamook City Council positions. The new special election is expected to take place March 14.

The outcome of the November 2022 Tillamook City Council elections in Ward 2 and Ward 5 were contested in December 2022, by petitions filed in Tillamook County Circuit Court.

For their part, the Tillamook County Clerk has agreed that several electors in both Ward 2 and Ward 5 should have received different ballots. Reportedly, the errors in ward boundaries were unintentional and may have influenced the outcome of the election in Wards 2 and 5. As a result, the Tillamook County Clerk, attorneys for the petitioners, the city and the county are reportedly all in agreement that a new special election is the appropriate remedy.

Between now and the March election, Tillamook City Council positions in Wards 2 and 5 will be filled as prescribed by Oregon law: in Ward 2, Rebekah Hopkins, the incumbent, defeated Paige Folkema by 24 votes. Per ORS 258.065(3) Hopkins, as the incumbent, remains in office until a successor is elected.

In Ward 5, Nicholas Torres defeated the incumbent Dean Crist by two votes. Per ORS 258.065(4), the Ward 5 position “shall be declared vacant” as the incumbent (Mr. Crist) lost the election to Torres. The Tillamook County Clerk’s Office has developed a plan to correct any address discrepancies prior to the special election.