Project bid awarded for Colfax Skatepark

The Colfax Skatepark came one step closer to fruition last week with the City Council's approval of the construction bid during its April 16 special meeting. Two construction bids were received from Spohn Ranch, Inc. and Grindline Skateparks, Inc. on Nov. 20, 2025. According to the staff report, the council directed city staff to reject the bids and coordinate pricing with a contractor on Sourcewell on Jan. 28. During that January meeting, City Manager Ron Walker confirmed Sourcewell is a "government-based cooperative purchasing agency that offers competitive solicited contracts to education, government and nonprofits." On Feb. 26, Newline Skateparks prepared a proposal on Sourcewell in the amount of $543,733, the staff report notes. "After many years of effort and despite some delays, the skate park project is now ready for council to award the construction contract and authorize staff to execute agreements for construction, testing and inspection services," Walker said, introducing the item on April 16. The council then received 18 comments, with 15 in support of the skate park to provide Colfax kids with a safe space of their own after multiple years of waiting. "This is an investment in our youth, in our families and in the future of Colfax," Jaime Hinrichs said. "Let's show up for them in the way they deserve. Let's build something they'll be proud of." Other comments noted there is nowhere for kids to skate now, or concerns over the project's pricing and now needing to utilize city funds to become a reality. Project lead Ty Conners addressed those concerns during his comment, noting the need to change the scope of the project to fit the budget and thanking the community for its dedication to the project. "We're at the moment where we can finally put the stamp on this project after 10 years – 10 years of dedicated service by everybody to get this to this point is something to be said about commitment to this city and the community," Conners said. During the council's discussions, Councilmember Kim Douglass noted the need to set a ceiling and "not be here again six months from now trying to find more money." Councilmember Trinity Burruss asked staff if there was a way for them to "limit the bleeding" if unknowns pop up when work begins. Colfax City Engineer Carl Moore confirmed the bid includes a 10-percent construction contingency in the event of additional costs and they would be able to stop the project and reassess if needed. The council approved the bid in a unanimous vote of 4-0. Mayor Pro Tem Larry Hillberg recused himself due to living within 500 feet of the project's planned location. "That means now the contracting starts," Mayor Caroline McCully said after the vote. The Colfax California Skatepark shared the news of the vote on Facebook after the meeting: "After 10 long years, this project has finally reached an incredible milestone. From dedicated volunteers and community events, to generous sponsors ranging from local businesses and nonprofits to larger corporations – this skatepark exists because of all of you. Even as costs rose, you stood by us with unwavering support and in-kind donations. That commitment never went unnoticed." According to the Colfax California Skatepark, next steps include working with Newline on the construction timeline and planning the groundbreaking event. The grand opening is slated for late July or early August. "This has always been about the community – and this moment belongs to you, Colfax," the Colfax California Skatepark stated. "Congratulations, and thank you for never giving up."