Colfax Skate Park closer to becoming a reality

Seven years later, the Colfax Skate Park is finally closing in on its final steps toward becoming a reality. Last month, the team of Colfax Skate Park supporters, led by Placer County Sheriff's Sgt. Ty Conners, tackled their final hurdle as they gained a $75,000 financial commitment from the Placer County Parks and Recreation Commission. Conners has led the charge for a skate park since he was a Colfax Station Commander for the Sheriff's Office. "Truly, this was the last hurdle we had to get over to really see that finish line," Conners said. "I've spearheaded this project, but I couldn't do it without the help of volunteers and the donors. It's been a massive effort." While the commission support is a huge milestone for the skate park, Conners said the support still needs final approval from the Placer County Board of Supervisors. He estimated the supervisors would address the item in late January. Conners and Colfax Skate Park supporters are collecting money through the non-profit Colfax Green Machine. Over the past seven years, the group has raised $64,000 for the $500,000 project. Last spring, the city of Colfax voted to donate $175,000 for the skate park through grant money. Through the years, Conners has worked with construction companies, including Teichert, to donate all the concrete and materials for the project. He is also zeroing in on a Skate Park Project (formerly the Tony Hawk Foundation) grant. "It's been so stressful because it's taken so long," Conners said. "I have tens of thousands of dollars people have donated believing in me." The end goal for Conners and his group of supporters is an 11,500-square-foot skate park at the old Colfax pool site, adjacent to Lyons Children Park, splash park and baseball field on Parkhill Drive. "Not only will this be a great place for the youth to hang out, but it will also bring people from all over to come use the skate park, which in turn people will come and visit this small historic city," Conners said. Conners said when the commission voted to approve the $75,000, the children who showed up to speak on behalf of the skate park and other supporters erupted in applause. "When it finally went through, I got emotional," Conners said. "It was such a huge moment for me. Thank goodness this is finally coming to fruition." Conners said while he was relieved to reach that milestone with support from the county, he attributes it to the efforts of the volunteers as well. While the finish line is in sight, Conners said there are still several steps to make before shovels can hit the dirt. He said should the Board of Supervisors approve the financial support, Conners can provide those funds to the city of Colfax so it can put the project to bid. Should there not be anymore road blocks, Conners estimated construction could start as early as April and be completed in three to four months – in mid to late summer.